In an unprecedented development, a senior politician in Manipur has sought mercy from an underground outfit, underlining the widespread influence of militants in this border state.
 
President of the Manipur unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party and outgoing MP Thounaojam Chaoba Singh had to beg for his life for the second time in a fortnight by issuing an appeal to underground outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, which has passed a 'death sentence' on him.

In a lengthy statement in the local media, Chaoba asked KYKL to forgive him for his past mistakes and made a fervent appeal to withdraw the death sentence on humanitarian grounds.
 
The KYKL had charged Th. Chaoba of acting against the party and the people. Chaoba was given a deadline of  February 15 to resign from the BJP.

The KYKL had warned that party workers would be targeted if they failed to remove Chaoba from the BJP. The outfit also banned the BJP from holding meetings, workshops and other election related activities.
 
In his appeal on Friday, Chaoba said: "I have no alternative but to beg for forgiveness. I should be excused for any past mistakes that I may have committed.

"If any of  my past action or deeds had hurt the feelings or sentiments of any communities or peoples including Nagas, Meities, Kukis and Muslims, I may be forgiven."
 
The reaction of the underground outfit is, however, not known as a yet. As a consequence of the KYKL death threat, heavy security has been provided to the BJP president.