Author: G Vinayak in Guwahati
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: February 28, 2004
URL: http://us.rediff.com/news/2004/feb/28mani.htm?headline=Spare~my~life,~BJP~leader~begs~militants
In an unprecedented development,
a senior politician in Manipur has sought mercy from an underground outfit,
underlining the widespread influence of militants in this border state.
President of the Manipur unit of
the Bharatiya Janata Party and outgoing MP Thounaojam Chaoba Singh had
to beg for his life for the second time in a fortnight by issuing an appeal
to underground outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, which has passed a 'death
sentence' on him.
In a lengthy statement in the local
media, Chaoba asked KYKL to forgive him for his past mistakes and made
a fervent appeal to withdraw the death sentence on humanitarian grounds.
The KYKL had charged Th. Chaoba
of acting against the party and the people. Chaoba was given a deadline
of February 15 to resign from the BJP.
The KYKL had warned that party workers
would be targeted if they failed to remove Chaoba from the BJP. The outfit
also banned the BJP from holding meetings, workshops and other election
related activities.
In his appeal on Friday, Chaoba
said: "I have no alternative but to beg for forgiveness. I should be excused
for any past mistakes that I may have committed.
"If any of my past action or deeds
had hurt the feelings or sentiments of any communities or peoples including
Nagas, Meities, Kukis and Muslims, I may be forgiven."
The reaction of the underground
outfit is, however, not known as a yet. As a consequence of the KYKL death
threat, heavy security has been provided to the BJP president.
