KCP (PWG) claims mela blast

IMPHAL | Oct 14

The proscribed Kangliepak Communist Party, People’s War Group has claimed responsibility for the mela blast, calling it as an attack against a mela run by ‘foreigners’.

A release signed by secretary, central media co-ordinator, Lenin Meitei said the attack was carried out as a first of its kind against fairs which are now run on pratically every street with the intent of making money through gambling games.

The party said it had put restrictions to Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) against such fairs which include gambling, it said.

When the party had put forth the restrictions to Mukta Leima, who runs North East Mela Association against holding such fairs that include gambling and suggested an alternative that is based on the indigenous community, she rebuked the leader of the party, chairman Lamyanba Khuman alias Pibarel through a phone call, and invited the organisation to come out in the field instead, it added.

The party expresses heartfelt sorrow for those who were hurt in the blast and said all responsibility should be taken by Mukta Leima and Lukram Leirak Youth Club, adding they should acknowledge their mistakes in the public.

The party is putting restrictions on such melas which include gambling until Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) creates strict rules and regulations for conducting these fairs.