Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Khumanthem Diana has instructed the police to pursue "legal action" against Independent candidate Moirangthem Totomsana for allegedly making derogatory statements and issuing threats against Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
In a letter addressed to the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West on Tuesday, Diana, who also serves as the District Election Officer, highlighted Totomsana's purported violation of the model code of conduct during a live telecast show on April 2.
"I am to bring to your notice the live telecast show on April 2 wherein a candidate namely Moirangthem Totomsana made derogatory statement against Chief Minister Manipur by violating the provisions of the Model code of conduct. He even threatened the Chief Minister with physical harm by telling that he will kill him whenever he gets a chance, which amounts to an attack on the personal life of a person," the DC said in the letter to the SP.
"You are requested to take legal action against Moirangthem Totomsana under the provisions of IPC," the letter said, adding that "Action taken report in this regard shall be furnished latest by April 5."
During a discussion among Inner Manipur Lok Sabha candidates, Totomsana reportedly stated, "Biren should resign. If he doesn't... I want to kill him..." The remark drew criticism from organizers, who later urged Totomsana to retract his statement.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur strongly condemned the threat made against Chief Minister N Biren Singh by the Independent candidate.
BJP Vice President Ch Chidananda Singh emphasised the need for legal measures to address such incidents and condemned the comment.
"Such words should be taken care of and appropriate measures should be taken to address such issues," Singh said.
Elections for the Inner Lok Sabha constituency are scheduled to take place on April 19.
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