IKAL, others condemn 'excessive force'

IMPHAL, Nov 21 : The Iramdam Kanba Apunba Lup (IKAL) has stated that the alleged assault on a woman by IGP Themthing Ngashangva during a protest at Hapta Kangjeibung against the Sangai Festival constitutes a grave insult to women’s society.
In a statement issued by its secretary general W Luwangleima, IKAL also accused the senior IPS officer of showing utter disregard for Sana Konung - a site of profound significance to the Meitei community.
IKAL also stated that its president, Naorem Memma, was injured during the police action after being struck by a tear gas shell and demanded suspension of IGP Themthing for his alleged excesses.
Questioning the motives of the President's Rule administration in holding the Sangai Festival, IKAL stated that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protesting the event because people are still unable to move freely across the State and IDPs are yet to be resettled despite repeated assurances from authorities regarding safe highway movement and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Maharaj Bodhchandra College Alumni Association (MBCAA) has warned that it will initiate legal action against IGP Themthing Ngashangva if the authorities fail to take disciplinary measures against him.
Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club, MBCAA secretary Advocate L Shyam Singh alleged that the IPS officer threatened Home Guard personnel stationed at the Royal Palace to open the gate.
He also said that Themthing threatened to file an FIR against the Home Guard personnel, apart from levelling false and misleading allegations against Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba, the titular king of Manipur.
The Democratic People's Front (DPF) also  condemned the alleged excessive force used by Central and State security personnel against people protesting against the Sangai Festival.
In a press release, the DPF accused security forces of resorting to brute force against protesters yesterday, without sparing even women and students.
Condemning the actions of the security personnel, the Front asserted that the Manipur Police have a major responsibility to ensure the people of Manipur live as legitimate Indian citizens.