AMUCO, UCM clarify stand

IMPHAL, Dec 24 : AMUCO and UCM have categorically clarified that the decision to relax the ongoing general strike for 72 hours was taken in view of the Christmas festival and in the interest of the integrity of Manipur.

A joint meeting of several civil society organisations was held today in the office of AMUCO which deliberated on the prevailing situation subsequent upon the Chandel outrage.

Briefing media persons after the meeting, AMUCO president KT Rahman stated that the Film Forum Manipur, Shumang Leela Council and several civil society organisations unanimously condemned the incident and a general strike was called in protest against the same incident.

On behalf of the civil society organisations, KT Rahman appealed to all the people not to see them in the wrong light for their collective decision to relax the general strike for 72 hours. He reiterated that they were compelled to take this decision in view of Christmas festival and in the interest of Manipur’s integrity.

Taking strong exception to the killing of journalist Thangjam Dwijamani (Nanao) in police firing in the course of the general strike, civil society leaders present at the meeting observed a two minute silence in honour of the departed soul.

The civil society leaders further demanded dismissal and punishment of all the police personnel involved in killing the journalist.

“Even as the general strike has been relaxed, we can go on with sit-in-protests, protest rallies, street corner meetings etc”, Rahman said.

He also appealed to all the protesters not to use any language or gesture which have communal overtones.

UCM president Nabachandra said that the general strike was relaxed for 72 hours after taking into consideration all the inconveniences and negative implications it would cause to Christian populace of the State. He also condemned the killing of a journalist in police firing. Urging all concerned authorities to arrest and punish NSCN-IM’s Lt Col Livingstone, the UCM president appealed to the mass not to perceive the decision to relax the general strike in otherwise sense.

He further suggested that other democratic forms of agitation can be undertaken when the general strike is relaxed.

Nabachandra too appealed to all the people not to do or speak anything which can offend or hurt sentiments of any community.