400 crimes committed by NSCN-IM, says Deputy CM Gaikhangam

IMPHAL, July 18 : Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Gaikhangam has clarified today that there is no separate laws or rules for Hills and Valley when it comes to imposition of CrPC 144 (Prohibition Act), on the floor of the house during the ongoing budget session.

Gaikhangam who is also the Home Minister, was giving his clarification to an issue raised by Heingang MLA N Biren, during the Zero hour with regards to a news report wherein the NPF termed the Government of being bias in dealing a situation.

Underlining the issue as a matter of extreme importance, Gaikhangam termed the statement of the NFP misleading.

It may be recalled that the NPF alleged that the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led Government failed to clamp CrPC 144 when killings have become a daily affairs in the valley nor have hundreds of Commandos or IRB personnel deployed.

“But just for one killing incident in Ukhrul district hundreds of Manipur police commandos and IRB personnel have to be deployed for several days in addition to the clamping of CrPC 144 in Ukhrul town”, the NPF was quoted.

Gaikhangam refuted that the allegation as totally baseless adding that the very Act (CrPC 144) has become a frequent procedure in Imphal West and East in the wake of possible threat to the lives and properties of the public.

Similarly, irrespective of hills and valley, the Government taking its responsibility bestowed upon it by the public to safeguard its people is routine, held Gaikhangam.

He pointed out that there are more than 400 criminal cases of the NSCN-IM ranging from kidnapping, killing to force disappearance including the latest incident of the killing of ADC member in an ambush.

Even then the Ruling party had always maintained formalities and sent prior information of all contemplated actions. It also has always given prior information to concerned district heads of any visits by VIPs, even the PM, and allowed those who wished to organised a gathering or democratic form of protest, asserted the Home Minister.

He further opined that the Government is aware there are instigators who harass and terrorise the people, coering them to resort to protest. This is in stark contrast to the ways of State forces station in Ukhrul to safeguard the public.

“We request the NPF with due respect as a political party not to be irresponsible, one sided in projecting an issue but rather abide by the real political ethic in the interest of the people”, said Gaikhangam.

“The Government is also aware judging by the reaction of the representative of the NFP who are present in the House. They have not raised objections to the move of the Government in the House, unlike when they are outside, clearly indicating outside influence”, continued Gaikhangam.

Excesses of VDF personnel dicussed

Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio today assured the house to personally instruct all high ranking police officers to check the so called “VDF fees” which is becoming a nuisance for students and parents alike.

The Home Minister stated this while giving his clarification during the discussion and voting on demands for grants.

A total sum of Rs 1111, 27, 65,000 crore for six more demands for grant for the fiscal year 2014-15 was today passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly unanimously after deliberate discussion.

The demand passed are demand no. 7 Police for Rs, 1069,40,64,000 crore, demand no.24 Vigilance for 2,91,16,00, demand no.31 Fire protection and Control for 10,75,04,00, demand no.32 Jails for 16,11,57,00, demand no.33 Home Guards 10,57,08,000 and demand no.34 Rehabilitation Rs 1,52,16,000.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who is also holding the finance portfolio tabled the six demands for discussion and voting. The demands were passed after the cut motion was withdrawn by the opposition MLAs after discussion and observation.

Participating in the discussion, Th Shyamkumar said that even as a tremendous change is witnessed since the past few years in the police department some stray incident committed by handful of personnel is dragging the entire department into shame.

He said that the VDF has become a cause of concerned for the public especially for students and parents alike for the former is reportedly collecting money from the public.

Students (with two wheelers) are demanding extra Rs. 5 or Rs. 10 from their parents before leaving for their tuitions so that they can pay and pass through a check post manned by VDF personnel, said Shyamkumar adding that the students termed it “VDF Fee”.

The MLA said in jest that he had to call and disturb the high ranking police officers these days not for serious crime but for complaint made by parents for the so called “VDF Fee”, calling for the attention of the concerned Minister.

To this the Home Minister gave his assurance on the floor of the House that he will personally instruct the concerned officers.

In response to observation made by MLA Ibomcha, the Gaikhangam, clarified that irrespective of hills or valley militant groups the Government of India had put a ban on them and sent a uniform recommendation for action. However, as for the NSCN-IM, the ban was revoked by the GOI to feilitate the ongoing peace talk.

Gaikhangam further continued that branding an outfit as outlaw is not under the purview of the Government of Manipur, however acknowledging MLA Ibomcha’s concern, he said judging from the number of criminal activities perpetrated by the groups they deserved to be still outlawed.

Underscoring all the observation and suggestion made by the MLAs, he further assured to take positive measure to live up to the aspiration of the people.

Ibomcha giving his observation held that the law and order system will deteriorate if the NSCN-IM continues not to be outlawed, adding that he is ready to relinquish his post as MLA if he is proven wrong.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister in his clarification, rebutted the allegation made by Opposition MLAs pertaining to the lack of power of the Vigilance commission whose chairman’s post is held by the Chief Secretary.

The Chief Minister said that the commission has been performing very efficiently without any influence from outside forces. However, referring to common perception he said that the Government is actively considering to allot the post an independent authority like a retire judge or individuals equal eminence to make it more appropriate for the people to perceived it.

Dr Ibohalbi Singh, Th Shyamkumar, L Ibomcha Singh and Kh Joykishan moved the motion for disapproval of policy cut on demand no.7 Police department on account of failure to give appointment to the successful candidates of SI and Jamendars whose results were declared in the year 2013, inability to provide moder weapons and equipments to VIP security personnel, failure to establish counter insurgency anti terrorism school in Manipur, lack of proper promotion policy in the police department, failure to install CCTV at strategic points in and around Imphal, failure to declare NSCN-IM operating within the state of Manipur as “unlawful organisation”, failure to sustain the discipline uniformity in the police department and lack of effort for moral policing.

A cut motion was also moved on the demand no.24 Vigilance by Dr Ibohalbi Singh, for failure of timely disposal of cases regarding collection of six days wages from the Job card holders of Bishnupur district for insuring under Birla Sunlife Insurance Company and another cut motion on demand no.31 Fire Protection and, Control by L Ibomcha Singh and Dr I Ibohalbi Singh on account of insufficient staff strength in Manipur Fire Service, failure to modernise the fire protection and control department and failure to open fire substation throughout the state.