Imphal, Aug 17: The man who was declared ‘wanted’ by the state police department and which carries a cash reward of Rs. 5,00,000/- to any persons who can provide information about is whereabouts on June 2, 2016 – Khomdram Ratan today joined relay hunger strike protest being underway at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall demanding implementation of the Inner Line permit System in the state.
Interestingly the relay hunger strike is being underway, since August 3, not only demanding the ILPS but also for removal of the wanted tagged labeled against the former convenor of JCILPS, who join the protest today.
Speaking to reporters, Khomdram Ratan said that he is not absconder neither an outlawed but a citizen of the state fighting for safeguarding the indigenous people of the state. He said he is challenging the charges labeled against him in the Manipur high Court and the verdict is reserved with the High Court he added.
Meanwhile, Kh. Ratan came out and joined the relay hunger strike from 11 am today and till the filing of this story no arrest has been made.
MLA of Keishamthong Assembly constituency Laishom Ibomcha Singh today came at the relay hunger strike site and provided some drinking water for the protestors.
However, the MLA refused to give any comment regarding Khomdram Ratan as the matter is in the court.
“It will be subjudice to give comment on matters pending in the court”, MLA Ibomcha said.
BJP MLA Khumukcham Joykishan also came at the site where Kh Ratan staged the relay hunger strike along with his supporters. The MLA too condemn the silence of the state government over the demand of the people but refused to comment on Ratan’s case as the matter is with the court. Joykishan however expressed the need for introduction of a legislation to protect the indigenous people of the state.
Around 100 of supporters joined the protest today.