Imphal, March 11, 2010: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the State Assembly that the bullet that hit Advocate General Nongmeikappam Koteshwar was due to accidental trig-gering of the gun by Works Minister K Ranjit and along with registering an FIR case, an investigation is underway.

In his response to the discussion on passing of the Manipur Appropriation Bill No.I and II, 2010 on the last day of the four-day long Assembly session today, the Chief Minister said that as it was late while returning from participating in the programme held at Hun-phung, Ukhrul on March 6 and there was not enough escort, the Advocate General was returning together in the vehicle of the Works Minister.

Tribal Development Minister Thaisii and K Ranjit were in the back seat and the Advocate General on the front seat to the side of the driver.

As they approached Lamlai Police Station, Minister Thaisii removed his li- cense gun as he was feeling uncomfortable sitting along with the gun strapped on his body and after detaching the magazine Minister Ranjit picked it up to admire it.

Unfortunately, when the triggered was pulled, one of the bullets which was already lodged inside the chamber hit Advocate General Koteshwar on his shoulder, the Chief Minister said, adding that the bullet had been fired not intentionally but accidentally.

The Chief Minister further informed the House that in connection with the incident a joint meeting with the two Ministers and the DGP was held.

Whether it be a Minister or common man, as everyone is equal in the eyes of law, police have started an investigation.

However, as the person responsible for firing the gun is known now, the investigation has not been done under the Inquiry Commission Act.

To facilitate in the police investigation, an FIR has also been registered instead of reporting in the ge- neral diary.

The license as well as the gun and the vehicle of Minister K Ranjit have been seized.

After the inquiry, those who deserve would get the due punishment.

The Chief Minister also informed that the injured Advocate General is out of danger now.

As the father of Advocate General Kote-shwar was well known among the villagers of Hun-phung, the invitation for participation of Koteshwar along with the Chief Minister was accepted.

However, due to engagement over some important meetings in connection with the Assembly session and the State Plan, he could not attend the programme and the two Ministers went along with the Advocate General.

While maintaining that there is no ulterior motive in prolonging imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the State, the Chief Minister who is also in-charge of the Home, however, asserted that after the Act had been removed from seven Assembly segments of Greater Imphal area, the undergrounds have found it convenient to seek shelter.

The armed insurgency movement in the North East is against the interest of National integration and it is quite different from the problem of law and order in other States, the Chief Minister pointed out.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that joining the cease work strike by the paramedical staff of JN Hospital is in contravene to law.

So if they don't report for duty by 10 am today then there would be no choice but to transfer or take action against them.

There is enough manpower to run the hospital and it would be wrong to pose a challenge on the life of the people just because the arrear is denied, the Chief Minister observed.

Participating in the discussion of the Bills, Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam noted that with some Ministers firing gun on the road while some others beating up the police officer after intruding into the police station, the Ministers in Manipur have become no better cowboy Ministers who are dreaded by the people.

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