Dissident MLAs blame CM for 'turning Manipur into killing field'

New Delhi, Nov 10 (UNI) Attacking Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh for ''turning the state into a killing field'', a group of Congress dissident MLAs today alleged that the law and order had deteriorated in the state ''uncontrollably'' and demanded his ouster.

They said life of the people was no longer secure and normal social activities were badly affected.

''Kidnapping, killings, extortions, bomb blast, threats and intimidations have become daily feature in Manipur. Bombs have been hurled regularly even in the well-guarded official quarters of Ministers, MLAs and Officers. No officers dealing with funds and projects can properly sit in their offices or even stay in their houses,'' Mr Y Surchandra Singh, spokesperson for dissidents, said in a statement.

He said though the population of Manipur was less than 1/10th of that of the North East, about 45 per cent of the killings are in Manipur.

Accusing Mr Ibobi of never making a serious effort to initiate talks with the insurgents, he said the Government also has not announced any proper and adequate rehabilitation package for the surrendered undergrounds in Manipur as was done in Assam.

The recent combing operation conducted selectively in the official quarters of some MLAs was an attempt to cover up his nexus with underground outfits, he alleged.

The Congress MLAs have been camping in Delhi for sometime, to carry out the campaign for Mr Ibobi's ouster.

UNI