IMPHAL, Oct 5: `We (government) know that almost all the demands are reasonable but we need to think twice before pursuing the issues practically.`
This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam responding to queries raised by media persons regarding the demands of granting Jiribam Sub-division and Sadar Hills district status.
`As we all know that the issues confronting Manipur today are very sensitive and complex because different communities with different outlooks reside here. Before taking up any step we need to consider everyone`™s interest and find a consensual resolution acceptable to all,` the Gaikhangam added.
The Deputy Chief Minister was attending a voluntary blood donation camp jointly organised by National Students`™ Union of India (Manipur State) and Department of Immunohaemotology and Blood Transfusion, RIMS in connection with yearlong celebration of 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India at IHBT RIMS.
Media persons asked him what could be the possible reason for not granting Jiribam Sub-division and Sadar Hills district status though activists behind these demands have announced they would launch agitations to press their demands.
He further said that considering the present scenario of the State the government needs to take steps in these matters very carefully. However there is nothing like the government is unwilling to grant them their wishes or demands.
`We all know how things are in Manipur, when we try to solve one issue; another issue on the other side arises. We are only trying to find a consensual way to resolve these issues. Time will come for that too,` Gaikhangam said.
When asked what steps have been taken up regarding the frequent reports of looting from trucks at gunpoint by unidentified persons at National Highways connecting the state to mainland India and also regarding the public`™s suspicion of the involvement of UG groups under SoO pact with the government, he replied that the possibility of the involvement of UG groups under SoO pact cannot be totally ruled out considering their earlier records.
`We (government) are not saying that they (UG groups under SoO) are doing it but since allegations have been raised against them, we have instructed the concerned authorities to look into the matter.`
`However if the allegation is proven, than befitting action will be taken up against the involved person/s according to the law of the land,` he added.
