The Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi appealed to the insurgents of all hues to eschew the path of violence and join the national mainstream for the overall development of the state.
Several armed organisations had joined the national mainstream and are taking part in the peace process. He said that the remaining armed groups should also read the writings on the wall and should start working for the people by coming overground. He said that the main obstacle in the implementation of the developmental projects in Manipur is the worrisome law and order and disturbance from some insurgents.
If the people desire he and his Ministerial colleagues will resign any time. The insurgents, other politicians and anti-social elements should be prepared to sacrifice so in the larger interest of the people. He also expressed concern over the increasing instances of kidnappings of government officials and others by some tribal militants who are signatories to the suspension of operations. There have been reports saying that whopping amounts were demanded as ransom. However police are keeping silent on whether ransom had been paid to secure release of these kidnapped persons. He promised to take up drastic actions against those militants who are violating the ground rules of the suspension of operations.
Mr. Ibobi said that Manipur is a part of an independent country and as such there is no need for any armed revolution for demanding independence. Further he said that the agitations of the Kuki and the Naga tribals who are demanding carving out their separate states ought to realise that these fantastic demands may become possible only when the sun rises from the west. This hard hitting statement was in response to the series of strikes imposed by the Kuki and the Naga organisations in furtherance of their demands for a separate state and "alternative arrangement" respectively.
40 minutes before the Chief Minister to hoist the national flag at the parade ground of 1 Manipur Rifles, one bomb was detonated by remote control near the gate of the camp. This was done so despite the presence of a large number of police and paramilitary personnel at the particular place. On Wednesday night another bomb was exploded a little distance from the office cum residence of the Chief Minister.
Militants also attacked the residence on August 10 night.
Government employees were allowed to sleep in the office complex on Wednesday night so that they could attend the function at the parade ground. Mr. Ibobi also took salute from the contingents in the parade ground.
