IMPHAL, Sept 7: Works minister K Ranjit has refuted the charges leveled by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) saying that he did not give any of the provocative statements attributed to him targeting any particular community with regard to Sadar Hills issue.
Speaking to media persons in this regard at his office chamber today, the minister regretted the statement of the vice president, Thangkam Lupheng who misquoted him and termed it as most unfortunate.
K Ranjit further clarified that he did not mention anything as charged by the SHDDC vice president.
He asserted that he is willing to give the video footage of the particular function.
The vice president of the SHDDC, Thangkam Lupheng yesterday alleged that the works minister made irresponsible statement by mentioning that Sadar Hills cannot be granted districthood status based on single community interest during a one day conference held at Mayang Imphal recently.
Further elaborating on his alleged statement, Ranjit revealed that what he said was the government cannot make hasty decision with regard to the creation of Sadar Hills district without taking into account the sentiments of the entire community settling in the state.
Taking into seriousness of the situation, the government formed re-organization committee to bring ‘administrative conveniences’ without hurting the sentiments of any community.
The works minister further maintained that he has been relentlessly visiting remote corners of the states including the hill districts with the objective of bringing equal development for both hills and districts. Amidst this endeavour, there is no doubt that he has intention to hurt the sentiments of any particular group or community, further clarified the minister.
