Cong dissidents charge Ibobi with failing to control law and order

Imphal, Nov 10 (UNI) The Congress dissidents, presently at New Delhi, have alleged that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had failed to control the law and order situation in the state and the people were no longer secure.

The dissidents alleged that even though the state's population was less than 1/10th of the Northeastern region's population, about 45 per cent of the murders were occurring in Manipur.

''Abductions, killings, extortions, bomb blasts, threats and intimidations have become a daily feature in Manipur,'' they said.

MLA and spokesperson of the group Y Surchandra said bombs were being hurled even at the well-guarded official quarters of ministers, MLAs and officers.

''None of the officers, dealing with funds and projects, are safe in their offices and even in their houses,'' he said.

The State Guest House at Sanjenthong in Imphal, the only Guest house run by the state government, had become the permanent staying place for officers who were being threatened at their homes, he added.

The dissidents also alleged that the state's administration was being run under the diktats of the underground organisations.

''The government under O Ibobi Singh has completely surrendered to underground elements. Contract works are taken by the militant-sponsored contractors with the tacit understanding of Ibobi Singh and his ministers,'' they stated.

''While the Chief Minister announced that doors are open for dialogue with underground elements, he has never made a serious effort to initiate the talks. There is no proper and adequate rehabilitation package for the surrendered militants in Manipur as is done in Assam. The recent combing operation, conducted selectively at the official quarters of some MLAs, was an attempt to cover up his nexus with underground outfits,'' Mr Surchandra said.

In 2007, the Army had been attacked five times by the militants and 29 security personnel were killed, he said.

About 50 encounters and 17 ambushes by militants occurred and about 35 cases of bomb blasts and 1,129 crimes related to militants were reported, besides 113 people being killed and 29 pesons kidnapped by militants, the spokesperson said.

However, State Information Minister T N Haokip, speaking to UNI, refuted the claim that five ministers had resigned from the Ibobi Ministry and stated that all the ministers were still extending their support to the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, the dissidents decided not to come to Imphal until the issue was resolved.

UNI