Manipuris protest against militancy in the State

Imphal, Sept 7 : In spite of the Manipur Government signing suspension of operation orders with different militant groups in the state, underground groups continue to harass common people. Besides, there are reports of an assassination bid on the life of State Chief Minister Ibobi Singh.

The latest victims are the staff and officials of the agricultural department in the state. The abduction of one of the officers has spread panic and led to protests against militant groups.

M. Norendro Singh, the abducted assistant agriculture official is the only earning member in his family and the threat to his life is a threat to six other members of his family. Fear and a sense of anxiety is visible in the family of the abducted official of the agriculture department. They wonder why militants target the common people and take them captive when they talk about being concerned about the people.

"He is the one who runs the family, looks after the children's education and takes care of all the problems in the family. It would be very difficult for us if he is not there as we will not have the strength to live on," said M.Rita Devi, wife of Norendro Singh

L. Pashot Devi, a local resident, while emphasizing that the people want peace in the society said, "There is no peace in the society. We don't know if our kidnapped sons will return to us. These things have happened not only in my family but with many others also. Many people have faced such troubles and difficulties earlier also. It is my request that such problems should be immediately solved so that the civilians can live in peace."

R.K. Nayasana Devi, Director of the state's agriculture department said, "This will effect us, not directly but indirectly to the farmers and in the way to production of the food grains, purchase of essential commodities for our livelihood. So, in some four to five years, I am sure that these conditions would lead to famine in Manipur."

If people are the at the receiving end of militants, so is the state's authority that is proved by an assassination bid on the life of the state Chief Minister Ibobi Singh recently.

According to police reports a bomb fired by suspected militants exploded outside his official residential complex. The attack is supposed to be a desperate reaction from some of the militant outfits, which are feeling the heat of heightened action against them by the state police.

In reaction to the kidnapping, people and officials of the agricultural department held a sit in protest.

With Manipur trying to increase the land available for agriculture and ensure food supply to all the parts of the state, the kidnapping of the staff by the militant groups has sent a wave of panic among the workers. They have been wondering as to how they can work freely and discharge their duties in such an atmosphere. By L C K Singh

ANI