Imphal, Feb 17 : The Manipur government today suspended three senior officials of the state food and civil supplies department on the charge of meeting militants.
Food and civil supplies minister Yumkham Erabot Singh said the officials were suspended for violating a standing government order that prohibited any official to meet rebels. The minister said the officials went to meet militants of the United Peoples Party of Kangleipak after the outfit called them for a meeting.
The director of the supply department, Norbart Dishinang, is holding an inquiry to find out if any rice was given to people above the poverty line, as alleged by the rebel group.
The outfit, last week, announced that Imphal West supply officer S. Iboton Singh, Imphal East supply officer W. Deven Singh and Bishnupur supply officer Th. Bhumes-hore were in its custody.
The outfit said it abducted the officials for questioning on their role in the misappropriation of rice meant for public distribution. The outfit, however, released them on February 9.