|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 2 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
World | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Indian lawmaker appeals for mercy in the face of death threats GUWAHATI, India, Monday (AFP) A lawmaker from India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party party took out newspaper ads appealing to rebels in the insurgency-racked northeast to spare his life. The outlawed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant group in the state of Manipur has threatened to attack BJP workers unless the party immediately expels Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, who is a senior member of parliament. The group, which has issued a death threat against Singh, accuses him of failing to work for the welfare of the state. The KYKL is fighting for an independent homeland for Manipur's majority Metei ethnic group in Manipur province, which borders Myanmar. Singh, who heads the local BJP unit, finally resorted Sunday to taking out advertisements in several local newspapers. "I have no alternative but to beg for forgiveness. I should be excused for any past mistakes that I may have committed," he said in the advertisement. Singh is hoping to be re-elected from the state's heavyweight inner Manipur constituency in national polls starting on April 20. At least 19 militant groups are operating in Manipur with demands ranging from secession to autonomy. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to the insurgency in Manipur during the past two decades. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
