KYKL to execute five on December 31

Imphal, December 26: Continuing its drive against corrupt elements and to cleanse education department of all ills, the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) said six persons - including Education (S) Minister Dr Maniruddin Sheikh – charged of indulging in corruption will be given death sentence. While five are currently under the custody of the outfit the Minister will soon be given the same treatment, contended a press statement of secretary, publicity and research, Langamba Mangang. Five others who will be given the death penalty on December 31 are Khwairakpam Raghumani (45) s/o (L) Kh Tompok of Awangkhunou Sagoltongba Bazar, PSO to Dr Maniruddin and Excise Inspector Md Nasir Ahamad (46) s/o Md Ebatulla of Lilong Changamdabi, Ningombam Shyamachoron (37) s/o N Nungshi of Thongju Part II, Oinam Priyokumar (38) s/o O Naba of Singjamei Oinam Thingel and Sagolshem Ranjit (40) s/o S Iboton of Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai. Central Committee of KYKL took the decision to execute the five on December 31, 2002 while similar penalty to the Minister will be given when he falls in the outfit’s net, mentioned the statement. Deputy Secretary of Education (S) Kh Raghumani was charged of conniving with the Minister for appointment of Block Research Coordinators for the centrally sponsored Sharva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme which will be implemented from next year, it said adding that the PSO Nashir Ahamad acted as middlemen. Elaborating the charges, KYKL said Maniruddin and Raghumani took Rs 1.2 lakhs and 70,000 each from 36 project officers who were appointed through backdoor policy. Acknowledging people concern on hard stance adopted by the KYKL, it said taking into account gravity of the situation and importance of eradicating ills afflicting education department such death penalties were taken as a last resort. KYKL also terms them as arrogant as earlier warning against indulging in such undesired acts went unheeded said the outfit recalling instances when four Education Department officials and a former minister were shot through their legs in the last two years as a formal warning to all guilty persons. On the punishment to the Minister, KYKL said Maniruddin was warned earlier to abstain from corrupt practice when his involvement to selection of Secretary of Council of Higher Secondary Education. However, the party softened its stand considering the plight of the minority community and to give him a chance to better his conduct. Terming his stiff-necked attitude on the warning as a challenge and major deterrent to the underground organization’s endeavor to usher in quality education in Manipur, KYKL was compelled to give the death penalty, it said. Asking the minority community not to misinterpret the action, KYKL desired that all people should raise their voice against corruption instead of terming their punishment as harsh and uncompromising. If such persons are left to further expand their sinister designs the future of Manipur society will be bleak, contended KYKL. The significance of providing quality education to all should not be undermined by anybody and most of all KYKL could not stand as a mute spectator to the misdeed/misconduct of such persons, reasoned the organization. Appropriate action will be initiated against those found guilty in appointing teachers for the SCERT sponsored DIET schemes said KYKL asking the general populace to air their comments/reservations within December 31 through newspaper on the action to be taken by the party. People’s comment will be accorded maximum respect, assured KYKL.