IMPHAL, May 4: The devotees of Panthou alias Hijam Ratan has tendered an apology to the concerned locality of Wangkhei Hijam Leikai through the media.
In a press meet held today at the Uripok Yambem Leikai the devotees of the godman made this apology before media persons.
“The Loishang office bearers have been advised by Panthou to tender an apology,” Yambem Laba, who is the founding president of the Ima Leishem Inaat Loishang told reporters that an amicable solution has to be brought between Panthou and the Hijam Leirak locality.
He said that there are no complaints from the Loishang regarding the arson committed at the temple on May 2 last, and no charges will be pressed in any form to the Police.
However, it is not within the ambit of the Loishang if an individual decides to pursue matters in his own capacity. It is high time that the tense atmosphere is cleared in the interest of all, he said.
When inquired about the status of Panthou and his current whereabouts, Laba confirmed that Panthou is no longer at Wangkhei Hijam Leirak and is currently at a safe place
“Only Panthou will know where Panthou is,” Laba told reporters. It may be mentioned that on April 2, a mob had vandalized and burnt vehicles and other infrastructure of the Panthou temple.
Laba said that the current attack on the temple is not congenial for Panthou to stay at his residence and hence has shifted temporarily to an undisclosed location.
When asked by reporters, an executive member of the Loishang, P Romesh said the delay in tendering the apology may have been on accpount of some hiccups earlier and miscommunication on both sides.
It was also pointed out that there had been rounds of talks between Panthou devotees and representatives of Wangkhei Hijam Leirak earlier at a neutral location, but these failed to bring about an amicable outcome. There may have been some oversight from their part also, P Romesh mentioned.
It was learnt from reliable sources that there had been round of negotiations between the Panthou executives and Hijam Leirak authorities earlier.
But due to certain unexpected problems and conditions during the talks, the meetings failed to bear fruit. This was before the May 2 incident where a dozen vehicles were burnt.
In the meantime, the curfew imposed on Wankhei Hijam Leirak and other peripheral areas has affected the normal routines of the locals. The curfew is still to be lifted during the filing of this report.