Imphal/Kohima: Security was intensified at Mao checkgate on the Manipur-Nagaland border to arrest NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah the moment he entered Manipur to reach his native village, as a 48-hour general strike to protest against the visit crippled life across the state.
Official reports said Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had informed the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister about the situation in the state following the killing of
three persons at the Mao gate on the Nagaland side in a stampede resulting from the bursting of tear gas shells by the Manipur police yesterday.
On the other hand, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a statement has held the Ibobi Singh government "solely responsible" for the tense situation arising out of Muivah`s proposed visit to Somdal, his village in Ukhrul district.
He said the Nagaland government had arranged for humanitarian and emergency services to the injured in yesterday`s incident.
Rio said the alleged "repressive action" of the Manipur
government might jeopardise peace talks between the Centre and
Naga underground groups.
"It is unfortunate that the brute forces of the state
government are being blatantly used to suppress the genuine
voice and democratic rights of the people enshrined in the
Constitution of India," Rio said in his statement issued last
night.
Various Naga organizations blame Manipur government for
the incident and have asked the Centre to defuse the tension
over Muivah`s proposed visit, which has been put off following
yesterday`s incident.
Official reports said markets, shops and business
establishments remained closed and transport services to
neighbouring states were cancelled in response to the strike
called by the All-Manipur United Clubs` Organisation last
evening.
Muivah`s visit has been opposed by Manipur government
that says it would disturb communal amity in the state.
The NSCN(IM) has been demanding a `greater Nagaland`
proposed be formed by merging Naga populated areas of
adjoining states, which has been rejected by Manipur, Assam
and Arunachal Pradesh governments.
Several organizations like Naga Hoho, Naga Students`
Federation, Naga Mothers` Association, Naga People`s Movement
for Human Rights and Tenyimi People`s Organization, said they
condemned "the barbaric and inhuman act" of the Manipur
police.
Nagaland medical minister Kuzholuzo Nienu, accompanied by
a local MLA, visited Naga Hospital in Kohima where seven of
the injured are admitted.
The minister told newsmen that apart from one injured who
was put in the ICU, the remaining six were declared out of
danger.
PTI
