Category: Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand today condoled the demised of former chief minister Rishang Keishing who expired yesterday at RIMS ICU.

In a statement the Speaker said, “It is a great sadness to the country to see the loss of such a great and oldest parliamentarian, whose contribution towards the cause of the state would ever remain unforgettable”.

“It is highly commendable that he was elected as member of the parliament to the first Lok Sabha from the outer parliamentary constituency of Manipur under the Indian Socialist Party in 1952 and then sworn in as the 11th chief minister of Manipur on November 27, 1980”, it said.

1. Khemchand also extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed that the god give strength to bear the loss.

THOUBAL | Aug 23

A sit-in protest was staged today organised by the Joint Action Committee against the killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem at the market of Heirok Part II, Thoubal condemning the killing.

Placards saying, “We condemn the Killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem”, “Save the students of North East India”, “To provide justice at the earliest” and “Don’t spread rumours” were demonstrated during the protest.

Mention may be made that, Sidharth, the son of former minister M. Okendro died on August 22 after he fell from the terrace of a restaurant at Delhi’s Hauz Khas village in a suspicious manner.

THOUBAL | Aug 23

A sit-in protest was staged today organised by the Joint Action Committee against the killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem at the market of Heirok Part II, Thoubal condemning the killing.

Placards saying, “We condemn the Killing of Sidharth alias Oupa Moirganthem”, “Save the students of North East India”, “To provide justice at the earliest” and “Don’t spread rumours” were demonstrated during the protest.

Mention may be made that, Sidharth, the son of former minister M. Okendro died on August 22 after he fell from the terrace of a restaurant at Delhi’s Hauz Khas village in a suspicious manner.

IMPHAL| Aug 22

Nagaland chief minister, TR Zeliang has extended his condolence for Rishang Keishing and called the departed leader as one of the most dynamic and veteran statesmen from the northeast India.

A release said, TR Zeliang has also called the former chief minister of Manipur as a colleague, a friend and a brother. He expressed that he was deeply pained to learn about the demise of one of India’s oldest parliamentarian on August 22 at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.  

‘I, along with my family, offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and well-wishers during this time of pain and grief and pray that Almighty God bestows unending comfort and solace to bear the loss of this great leader. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace’, said the Nagaland chief minister in his condolence message.

T.R. Zeliang said, ‘Rishang Keishing was a colleague, a friend, a brother and a senior leader whom I regard as one of the most dynamic and veteran statesmen from the Northeast India’

The Nagaland CM has also called Rishang Keishing as the last surviving member of India’s first post-1947 Parliament.

State leaders throng Keishing’s Mantripukhri residence

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 23

“My father’s last wish on his deathbed was for unity among all the people of the state cutting across religion and ethnic affiliations,” said Victor Keishing, son of Rishang Keishing, the political patriarch who passed away yesterday.

 Victor was speaking to the media at his Mantripukhri residence. Political leaders, friends and relatives of the Keishing family turned in large numbers today to share the grief of the bereaved family.

Former chief minister, O. Ibobi, former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam and former speaker, Th. Lokeshwar, MLAs of the Opposition came to pay tribute to the departed leader.

Ibobi speaking to the media said that the demise of Rishang is not only a big loss for the state but also a big loss for the country. There will be a big vacuum in the field of politics following his demise, he added.

He added it is a bigger loss for the Congress as he was the guiding light to the party, he said, adding Rishang always wanted the people of the state to be united and live together as one regardless which community and religion they belonged to.

The former chief minister also said that even on his deathbed he expressed his concern for the welfare of the state. “No one in the world can replace him in Manipur politics”, he added.

Former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said that losing of a person who had enormous capacity of serving the public is a huge loss not only for the state but also for the country.

“He is the role model for symbol of unity as his philosophy and ideology was to bring unity, love and brotherhood among the different communities,” Gaikhangam added.

The former deputy chief minister prayed that the people of the state follow his ideology of unity and brotherhood.

Among others, Hayainu, wife of chief minister, N. Biren Singh, deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar, MAHUD minister, Karam Shyam , education minister, Th. Radheshyam, tribal and hill area minister, N. Kayisii, agriculture minister, V. Hankhalian along with other members of the ruling party were also seen coming to pay tribute.

Rishang Keishing’s funeral will be held on Friday at his birth place, Bungpa Khunou village, Kamjong district.

Family members informed that tomorrow morning Rishang’s body will be taken to Manipur Congress Bhawan, B.T. Road and later to Manipur Baptist Church (MBC), Imphal. And from MBC his body will be directly taken to Kamjong district.  

A release of the GAD of the state government informed that the state funeral service of the late leader will be held on August 23, at the MBC Church, 10:30 in the morning.

Rishang died yesterday due to multiple organ failure and sepsis at 8.15 pm after fighting for his life for a month in RIMS intensive care unit.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |AUG 23

Nagaland chief minister TR Zeliang said that “solution should come at the earliest possible date so that every Naga can live with permanent peace in our land.” The chief minister said this while interacting with the Naga Hoho today in Kohima.

“There is no problem that cannot be solved and we must seek public opinions and suggestions to move ahead taking the voice of all stakeholders on board” stated, TR Zeliang interacting with a seven Member delegation of the Naga Hoho led by its president Chuba Ozukum today.

The delegation had called on the chief minister at his official chamber, Nagaland Civil Secretariat to congratulate him on taking over the State as the new chief minister and to initiate the process of uniting Naga Civil bodies under one umbrella, according to the CM’s office.

While maintaining that all Naga outfits must be taken on board before a final solution to the protracted Naga problem was arrived at, Tr Zeliang said that Naga peace process must not be taken up simply for political mileage in the upcoming 2018 elections, but must be based on sincerity in letter and in spirit.

Expressing his desire for early solution the CM said that “solution should come at the earliest possible date so that every Naga can live with permanent peace in our land.”

Earlier in the day, Konyak Union led by its president, Manlip Konyak and general secretary Honang M. Konyak accompanied by minister for rural development, EE Panteang called on the CM and congratulated him on behalf of the Konyak community for taking over the affairs of the State by presenting him the Konyak ‘Nyam’, a traditional drum made of brass.

The delegation appraised before the chief minister for emergency attention on some problems that had occurred due to unprecedented rain and flood in their area.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

The Imphal West police team lead by additional superintendent of police (ops) Priyadarshini Laisram and Kakwa police OC, N. Ingocha today seized tobacco products worth around Rs. 1.5 crores from a godown located at Mongsangei, Imphal West while trying to unload from a truck this evening at around 7.15 pm.

According to source the godown was owned by one Akoijam Ibomcha (48) of Mongsangei and the owner of the seized products and the truck was identified as one Krishna who is the proprietor of Krishna Trading and Transport Agencies presently residing at Telipati, Imphal East and originally from Bihar.

Police said that the seized items will be handed over to Food and Safety department, Imphal West by tomorrow for laboratory testing.

A case has been registered at the Kakwa police station regarding the matter to take up the necessary formalities.

IMPHAL | Aug 23

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution and revenue minister Karam Shyam today extended his condolence over the demise of former chief minister and parliamentarian Rishang Keishing.

Calling the demise of Keishing as a big loss to the state, Karam Shyam said that Manipur politics has lost a bright star.

Shyam met the family members of late Rishang Keishing at the residence of the late leader at Mantripukhri, Imphal West and offered his deepest condolence. The minister said, “We have lost an ideal leader and a great son of Manipur who dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the state and the people. Keishing was a source of inspiration for the entire state, particularly to the youth”.

 He also said Keishing was a fine human being who believed in humanity and social harmony. His public service that took a span of almost 70 years which include being the member of India’s first Parliament will be hard to replicate, he added.

Former minister, chairman, Bharat Sevak Samaj Manipur state branch, Haobijam Kangjamba Singh, acknowledging his noble deeds in a release, said that the departed leader was once arrested during the massive protest, which was held in demand for the statehood of Manipur, and was put to Manipur jail.

He was later transferred to Nagao Special Jail Assam, it said adding Keishing was very energetic and never touched alcohol or any other form of intoxicants during his lifetime. The branch organised a condolence meeting at 3 pm today at the conference hall of Hotel Mass where his life works were discussed, it further said. A two minute silence was observed in prayer for the peace of the departed, it added.    

The staff of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal has also condoled the demise of the former CM. A condolence meeting was held today at the administration block of the institute under the chairmanship of Prof. H. Nabachandra, director in-charge.

The All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union (AMGSU) has deeply condoled on the sudden demise of the former chief minister of Manipur, Rishang Keishing.

A release said, AMGSU has observed one minute silence at its office at Kanglatongbi, as a mark of respect to the departed soul. President of AMGSU, L.B. Adhikari stated that Manipur has lost an eminent personality and a great leader who had always worked for the development and welfare of the state during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Committee of Recognised Private Schools expressed today deep condolences over the sudden demise of the former chief minister of Manipur, Rishang Keishing.

Addressing the departed as a true born leader of Manipur, the committee acknowledged him as a patriot who loved his people dearly without keeping prejudices to any particular section of the society, said a release. The committee shares the grief of the bereaved family, it said.

Tarahei Youth Development Organisation (TYDO) have also organised a condolence meeting over the loss. At the meeting, his life works and noble deeds were acknowledged and lamented over the fact the huge hole he had left will be never be filled by the people, said a release. The organisation pray for the peace of the departed soul and shares the grief of the bereaved family, it added.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The JN Hospital Pharmacy Association today appealed to all concerned to approach the association in the event of misconduct meted out by anyone members of the association.

Speaking to media persons during a press conference held today, the general secretary of the association, N Jhalajit, said that pharmacist operating in and around the JNIMS hospital has been often given bad image by miscreants in several occasions.

The pharmacists have been implicated for wrong reasons for mischief and anti-social activities perpetrator by miscreants, who identified themselves as the member of the association many times, he said.

He said that they (association) have rounded up five youths were engaged in a brawl with patient parties recently in the premises of the hospital.

The youths who were drunk identified themselves as members of the association before leaving the place, he said.

The youths have been reportedly handed over to their family after counselling and have been identified as one K. Ajaydeva Meitei, 22, son of K. Tomba of Phabakchao, N. Boby Singh, 23, son of N. Joykumar Singh of Thanga Karang Konsam Leikai, M. Bidyananda Singh, 24, of Khoujuman Mayai Leikai, Chinglemba Longjam, 23, son of Yairipok Kekru and N. Premchand, 22, son of Bishnupur Khoijuman.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

With an aim to create mass awareness and to pledge for eyes donation after death, Saksham, Manipur Prant is organising the ‘Eye Donation Campaign Fortnight’ programme on August 25, at Iboyaima Sumang Lila Shanglen, Konung, Imphal. The campaign will continue till September 8.

Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y. Khemchand Singh and chairman MPCB & KVIB, government of Manipur L. Radhakishore Singh will attend as chief guest and president respectively, in the inaugural function of the campaign.

It is worth recalling that the National Eye Donation Fortnight is observed every year from August 25 to September 8.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |Aug 22

The ‘watershed meeting’ of the first Naga People’s Front (NPF) central executive council (CEC) headed by Neiphiu Rio which was held today in Kohima adopted six resolutions.

 The first resolution said that, the “NPF welcomes the good progress and achievements made thus far” in the government of India and NSCN (IM) peace process and the NPF is content that the political dialogue has reached the final stage.

“While appreciating the fact that the negotiating  parties understands the difficulties and limitations of both the entities, the NPF urge upon the negotiating parties to expedite the peace process with more zeal in order to bring  about an amicable and honourable solution respecting the unique Naga history at the earliest,” it added.

 The second resolution stated that, “for too long, the presidential decisions and actions of Dr. Shürhozelie  Liezietsu was engulfed  within the perimeter of four deleterious  tenets .i.e autocratic, dictatorial, undemocratic and unconstitutional”. While suspensions and expulsions of the party legislators became the order of the day, Dr. Shürho abusively converted the NPF party into a family fiefdom, it alleged.

 “Therefore, in order to save the party from further destructions and mutilations, the more then 2/3rd absolute majority of NPF Legislature Party selected Neiphiu Rio three times chief minister and MP (Lok Sabha) and the tallest Naga Leader as the interim president, consequently a grace period of 15 days was served to Dr. Shürho to repent and resign from the president,” it added. The NPF CEC then supported and endorsed the decision of NPF Legislature Party taken on July 31, 2017.

 It also adopted another resolution that, with the expiry of the 15 days deadline on August 13,  for Dr. Shürhozelie to step down as the president, the NPF CEC unanimously agreed that Neiphiu Rio shall no longer be the “interim president” but will become the full-fledged president of NPF.

 The NPF CEC then fully endorsed the decision of the president to convene the NPF General Convention on September 20, 2017 at Dimapur and extended its supports and endorsed the constitution of Search Committee for the selection of President and Central Office Bearers (COB).

 “While the ongoing leadership dispute and the crisis in the party is unfortunate, the NPF CEC sincerely appeals the general public not to Panic but to remain steadfast with the leadership of Neiphiu Rio, president NPF and TR Zeliang chief minister as to ensure peace and tranquillity. Meanwhile, the NPF CEC is confident that the leadership dispute shall be settled soon by the ECI”, another resolution added.

The Neiphiu Rio led NPF CEC extended its “unwavering and unflinching support to the leadership of Neiphiu Rio, President and T.R Zeliang, Chief Minister and further appeals to the party men and women to come and join the majority group and support the NPF led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government”.

Meanwhile, the Dr Shurhozelie led NPF has announced today convene “an emergency Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting” on August 25.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on me vide Article No IV Clause c (ii) of the Constitution, I, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, President Naga People’s Front do hereby convene an emergency Central Executive Council (CEC) Meeting on the 25th of August 2017 (Friday) at 11 am in the Central Office headquarters in Kohima. Therefore, all the Central Executive Council (CEC) members are directed to attend the meeting without fail,” said Dr Shurhozelie in his notification issued today.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The National Federation of Postal Employees (NFPE), New Delhi has called for one day strike on August 23, demanding 10 points charter of demands. A release by divisional secretary of All India Postal Employees Union, Group-C, Manipur has stated that employees of Manipur Postal Division will join the strike on the particular day in support of NFPE.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Lamphel police pick up the five protesters of 13th batch, fast-to death protest of the Home Guard’s Association and the 14th batch of the fast-to death protest started from today’s afternoon.

It has been two weeks the home guards personnel took up agitation demanding to increase their monthly allowance as directed by the Supreme Court.

During a recent meeting with the home guard representatives with the chief minister and other officials, the chief minister told them that the government can increase only Rs 2000 in their allowance as the state has less resource. On the other hand the home guard personnel had claimed that 90 percent of their allowance is to be given by the central government.

As the government cannot fulfill the home guard’s demand during the meeting, the association had decided to wait for a positive response from the government till the last day of the month by continuing the fast-to death protest.

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The head of department of Radiodiagnosis, RIMS, Imphal has informed that MRI test will not be conducted in RIMS for a few days until further order as the MRI machine installed in the department is going through some technical problem, said a release by medical superintendent of RIMS.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) today imposed a nation width strike for all the banks across the country as protest against against privatisation of banks and writing off of corporate Non-performing Assets (unpaid loan).

As a part of the strike UFBU, Manipur state committee staged a sit-in protest today in front of State Bank of India, M.G. Avenue.

Speaking to media persons, UFBU, Manipur state co-convenor, Soibam Indrakumar said that in the last 27 years, hard earned peoples savings have been exposed to unscrupulous loot by big corporate houses and has created an astronomical figure of Rs. 15,00,000 crores of unpaid loan.

He added instead of stringent measures for recovery of the bad loan, the government is planning to privatise banks and propose the merge of weak banks with stronger one to enable them make bigger banks which can finance bigger loans.

Pivatisation of banks will not be able to give priority for the poor and it will only give benefits to the rich and big corporate houses, said the co-convenor.

Indrakumar said that the strike is not for the bank employee but it is for the welfare of the whole public.

The top management of the bank should be held accountable for the mounting bad loans in banks, he added.

UFBU Manipur state appealed to the government to not privatise banks thinking for the welfare of the general public.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Hymns echoed mellow at Mantripukhri as family members and well-wishers mourned the passing of Rishang Keishing, one of the oldest and most reputed politicians in the Northeast and a leading figure of Manipur politics. He was 98.

Medical report said Keishing died of multiple organ failure and sepsis. He was treated at RIMS intensive care unit since a month back. He passed away at 8.15 pm today.

Bereaved family members and relatives were condoled at RIMS, intensive care unit by MLAs and politicians including Gaikhangam, TN Haokip, DD Thaisii, Thangso Baite. BJP MLA of Konthoujam constituency Sapam Ranjan also came to pay his respects. “We have lost a great leader today,” Ranjan told Imphal Free Press.

Rishang belongs to Bungpa Khunou village of the newly created Kamjong district and was born to late Lungdi Keishing and late Mungshingla Keishing on 25 October, 1919. He is survived by his wife Khatingla Keishing and four sons and two daughters.

His condolence ceremony will be held at his residence at Mantripukhri on Wednesday morning. Later, floral tribute will be paid at MPCC complex at BT road. His mortal remains will be laid to rest at his native village of Bungpa Khullen on August 24.

He began his career as a teacher in Bungpa lower primary school when he was just 16 after finishing his sixth grade from Kangpokpi Mission Middle Elementary school in 1936. After a short stint of teaching he resumed his education at Churachand High school in 1937-38.

He continued his studies at Kohima government high school and passed matriculation examination from Jorhat Christian High school at Assam (1944-45). He studied his higher secondary education at St Paul Cathedral College at Calcutta and graduated from Calcutta University in 1949.

He later joined the Ukhrul Christian Junior High school as headmaster in September 1949.

He later resigned from his teaching career in 1952 and entered the political arena.He was elected as member of parliament to the first Lok Sabha from outer parliamentary constituency under the ticket of the Indian Socialist Party in April 1952 and continued till April 1957.

In 1962, he was again elected member of the third Lok Sabha under the same ticket till 1967. He had joined the Indian National Congress during that tenure in 1964 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. He got elected in 1972 and continued successfully for seven consecutive terms till 2002.

He was sworn in as a cabinet minister in 1975 and became the deputy chief minister in 1977 became the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president in 1978. He was sworn in as the 11th Chief Minister on November 27,1980. He continued his chief minister-ship though not full five years tenure for another five terms.

He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 2002 and again got elected in 2008 which ended in 2014.

(*Ava means father in Tangkhul dialect)

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Chief minister N. Biren Singh has condoled the demise of former chief minister and parliamentarian Rishang Keishing. In his condolence message, the CM remembered Keishing as one of the longest serving chief ministers of the State.

He said, “Rishang Keishing’s contribution towards Manipur’s progress will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Rishang Keishing.”

The chief minister said Rishang was a people’s man and a pragmatic leader. The veteran politician was one of the oldest parliamentarians of India, he added.

As a mark of respect to the departed soul, a three-day State mourning will be observed, and the government offices and educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow.

The All India Congress Committee, AICC, in a tweet also condoled the death of the veteran and said the party’s thought and prayers will remain with his family.

MLA blames former government

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Charges have cropped up from a former councillor of Yaiskul Assembly constituency regarding pilferage of National Food Security Act rice. Allegation is that gross nepotism and manipulation have been conducted in the rice distribution.

Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club today, Y. Ratikanta, former councillor of ward number 19 of Yaiskul constituency stated that he sought information regarding the rice distribution through the RTI Act recently.

The reply he received from the consumer affairs, food and pubic distribution department mentioned that rice had been allocated for the constituency till April 2017. But, the signatures of distribution made in the beneficiaries ration books states that rice had been distributed for May, June and July of this year.

The month of January, February, March and April is blank in all the ration books. For evidence, he showed several cards which supported his statement.

He questioned the motive of distributing rice quota sanctioned for the earlier four months as rice quota for the latter three months. “What will happen to the rice of the last four months?” he charged.

Moreover, he alleged that the fair price shops and agents have been neglected as the distribution is done by a committee called Development Welfare Committee through its secretary namely A Joychandra.

Hinting political favouritism, he said that the CAF and PD department has turned a blind eye and the SDO concerned signs the utilisation certificate authorising the committee secretary Joychandra to receive the monthly quota. Joychandra is not a registered rice agent, he added.

(contd on page | 3)

Further, he distributes the rice through his committee deriding the authority of the registered local distribution agents, said Ratikanta.

It was alleged that the ward members are also empowered to sign the rice quota utilisation certificate where only councillors concerned are authorised to do so. He mentioned that ward member of 19, Yaiskul a/c , namely T Gobind also signed for Ward number 18 among other discrepancies. Ratikanta stated that the rice quota for November and December were not distributed too.

In the regard, Imphal Free Press called up the concerned MLA Th Satyabrata. He clarified that he became an MLA in March 2017 and anomalies in rice distribution before his tenure is not within his ambit.

“I have started distributing rice from April onwards and there have been no lapses and there will not be any in future also” he added saying that if complaint arises regarding concerned rice agents, then it can be handed over to a welfare organisation in the interest of the public.

Imphal East district supply officer also commented that an agent can be removed if found indulging in any pilferage and another agent or a body can be deputed as an interim arrangement.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL| Aug 22

 Mainam Ningol Chaobi Devi (87), who is blind ever since birth, has been living without getting any pension benefits under government scheme. She hails from Thoubal district which is the assembly constituency O. Ibobi, the former chief minister who held the post for 15 long years.

Chaobi who lives at Wangmataba College Road, Thoubal can still hold conversations well even in her age. However, the family members have expressed disappointments regarding the matter towards the departments concerned.

Representative of social welfare department had visited her residence before and took her photographs, but nothing came from it. Choabi holds her disability certificate; however she has received not a single benefit from any of the departments concerned.

After it was being circulated in the social media regarding her conditions, this reporter went to her residence for an interview.  Brojendro, son of (L) Mainam Kunjo who was the younger brother of Chaobi, expressed that his parents told him that her aunt had lost her eyesight when she reached around four months after birth.

She has turned 87 years of age, and all her siblings have passed away. To make their Aunt’s life a little comfortable, they had been trying and pushing hard to deliver some benefits from social welfare department for the last 15 years, but unfortunately to no avail. 

Brojendro further said that they started requesting for her old age pension 15 years before, during the time when Leitanthem Tomba was the MLA of Thoubal district.  But nothing has been provided so far.

A former chairperson of Thoubal municipal council has also assured help. In this regard they had submitted all the required documents to departments concerned but no results had come out it so far.

Brojen said, “It is not that we are craving for the meagre pension provided by the government. But we wish to see her happy to receive her pensions as she has been left out from the rest.”

He further appealed to the departments concerned of the new government to look into the matter.  

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 22

Joint bodies strongly condemned the daylong detention of a retired Assam Rifles personnel at Khoupum Dithaolong without any reason by the Sikh Light Regiment posted at Namkaolong Part-1, Khoupum, Noney district.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal  Rongmei Lu Phwan(RLP) Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, president, Panti Gonmei said that on August 17 retired Assam Rifles personnel, Aku Panmei son of Gikhongai Panmei of Taolingpung was picked up from his residence by the Sikh Regiment and forced him to hold an AK-47 rifles and took snap to make him look like an UG cadre.

Earlier in July month he was picked up by the same Sikh Regiment while he was working in his paddy field and wrongly accused him as UG cadre and they even refused to entertain his identity card shown to them, she added. The Sikh Regiment even rang him up and threatened that they can even arrest women if they want to, said the Panti.

She continued that such action of the Sikh Regiment created fear among the people of Khoupum. “The sepoys shamelessly disrobed their uniforms when a woman appeared to fetch water,” added the president.

The joint bodies asked the Sikh Regiment to delete the photo of Aku holding the gun and also asked them to apologise for their inhuman act.

Panti appealed to all citizens and civil bodies of the state to condemn and extend solidarity to the fight against human rights abuse.