From our Special Correspondent
IMPHAL, June 19: The Power Department will launch a massive disconnection drive against illegal connections from June 22. This was stated in a statement issued by the chief engineer of power, Sarat on Tuesday. The statement said that as a result of the pre-paid power connection there is  uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. The person who have been enjoying illegal connections are causing inconvenience to the people. Referring to the call by a newspaper for his resignation, Sarat said that the report published in this newspaper regarding the sale of power cladenstinely to other States at the cost of the consumers here he said that it is not a complete story. Those who are interested may see the documents from the office. But the fact is that he cannot give a blow by blow contradiction of the report which quoted official documents to say that the Power Department has been selling power  to some other States. The Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi was concerned by the report and shortage of power. He said that the State Government is giving Rs 15 crore each month to the power department for buying power from other sources. As such there is no excuse for the shortage. Sarat had offered to resign if it is established that power is sold to other States at the cost of the consumers. The newspaper had said that he should now resign. Meanwhile, Manipur continues to grope in the darkness.