NNN
IMPHAL, February 29
The Manipur Home Department on Monday revoked the suspension order of five cops accused of assaulting a delegation of Nagaland-based Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) here on February 14.
The suspension order of five personnel, including a Sub-Inspector, attached with Imphal East Commando, had been cancelled this morning. An order to this effect has been issued by the Home Department, official reports said. The five cops are Sub-Inspector Md Imtiyaz Rahaman of Tamenglong Police, Havildar S Gunachandra of 5th Battalion, Manipur Rifles, rifleman W Jiten Singh of 1st Manipur Rifles, rifleman O Bishwanath Singh of 1st IRB and Constable N Surchandrajit Singh. The February 14 incident happened at Mantripukhri when the commandos allegedly harassed and assaulted the NSF leaders who were on their way to Manipur’s Ukhrul district to take part in Lui-Ngai-Ni festival.
Earlier, NSF demanded the Manipur government to terminate the service of the duty-police officer besides suspending all ‘erring’ cops alleged to have committed excess against their members.
NSF enforced an indefinite ban on movement of vehicles belonging to “Meitei/Manipuri in all Naga inhibited areas” following their demands were declined by the state government. The stir disturbed free movement of hundreds of Imphal-bound vehicles along Imphal-Dimapur road. NSF finally withdrew their agitation moments after the suspension of the cops.
On February 26, the Home Department issued an order to place the five cops under suspension which attracted strong opposition from almost all quarters including 20 Congress MLAs, student organizations, civil socities and political parties.
Major student bodies like All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) and Student Wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) showed stiff opposition to the Home Department’s move and urged for immediate revocation of the suspension order.
DGP of Manipur Police LM Khaute had also announced for a departmental enquiry into the incident. But the suspension drew wide criticism, especially from 20 Congress legislators demanding removal of Home Minister Gaikhangam. The MLAs revolted against the the Home Department for ‘succumbing’ to the demands of NSF.
Under pressure Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh chaired a meeting of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) yesterday during which he assured the disgruntled MLAs to revoke the suspension order.
