Gaikhangam appeals against communalising Sailent incident

IMPHAL, May 4: Terming the burning of around 36 houses at Sailent Village on May 3 as unfortunate, Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister has appealed to the hill and valley people to resolve the matter as a local issue, and not to take it on a communal line.

Speaking to media persons at his office at Old Secretariat today, Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home Minister said that police personnel including DIG, IGP and SP have been instructed to investigate into the matter.

"Burning of houses and destroying of property is a heinous crime. The bond of love between the hill and valley should not be tried to succumb by some bad people," he said. The Government is investigating the issue and those involved will be punished by the law, he added.

He also said, on behalf of the government he shared the grievances of the victims and has lent aid through the local MLA as an immediate relief. "Issues of land disputes is needed to be brought up in cabinet and assembly, and land records be transferred to the respective districts," reiterated Gaikhangnam.

Such issue can be litigated and streamlined in due course of time. Police department should be strengthened, he said and condemned in highest form, the recent attack on Preshow Shimray, MLA Chingai AC.

He then said causing panic to a representative of the people is an indecent and cowardly act, and appealed to all concerned not to repeat such act.

Though it is not yet ascertained that the act was done by NSCN-IM, they might be responsible for it as the area is dominated by them, the state Deputy Chief Minister said.