Affidavit names influential leaders of BJP, points out veteran O Joy
says Governor must intervene
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2020: Categorically stating that all the people named in the affidavit submitted by former Additional SP, NAB Th Brinda in the High Court of Manipur are either influential leaders of BJP or high ranking police officers who are serving under the BJP-led Government, veteran politician Okram Joy has asserted that the Governor must intervene into the high profile drug smuggling case involving Lhukhosei Zou.

He also said that the CBI should be roped in to investigate the case.

Affidavit names influential leaders of BJP, points out veteran O Joy

Speaking to media persons at his Kakwa residence today, O Joy said that authenticity of Brinda's affidavit would be determined in the due course of trial at the High Court.

Noting that the affidavit and all its contents are now in public domain, Joy said that no one is responsible for the affidavit but Th Brinda.

According to the affidavit, one vice-president of BJP Manipur Pradesh, Chief Minister N Biren and a woman named Olish and some high ranking police officers have been working actively to let off Lhukhosei Zou.

A team of the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB), led by Brinda arrested Lhukhosei Zou along with seven others and seized 4.595 kg of heroin, 2,80,200 WY (World is Yours) tablets, Rs 57.18 lakh in cash, another Rs 95,000 in demonetised currency notes, and several other incriminating articles, Joy said.

Asking if any other point has been left out in the affidavit, the veteran politician remarked that the particular drug seizure case is one of most complicated cases in the whole State and the country.

He added the case has all the potential to become an international issue.

The way the issue is handled evokes a serious question whether the people of Manipur would trust political leaders, MLAs, Ministers, Judges, lawyers and police officers, Joy said.

A large quantity of drugs was seized during the time of Chief Minister O Ibobi from Imphal airport and the case was promptly handed over to the CBI, he recalled.

Welcoming Chief Minister N Biren's declaration that anyone involved in the high profile drug and cash seizure case would not be spared, Joy asked whether the Congress party's demand for resignation of N Biren on moral ground would deliver justice or not.

It is also highly unlikely that Chief Minister N Biren would step down for the cause of justice, he opined.

It is BJP which is in power at the Centre and all the people involved in the drug seizure case are BJP leaders.

All the people named in Brinda's affidavit are BJP members.

Asnikumar is a vice-president of the party.

Lhukhosei Zou was former president of BJP Chandel Mandal, Olish is an influential leader of BJP and N Biren is heading the State Government.

Police officers named in the affidavit are serving under the Biren Government, Joy pointed out.

It is highly questionable how truthfully the affidavit would be verified which also named some judicial officers in addition to police officers when N Biren continues to serve as the State's Chief Minister, he remarked.

If N Biren refuses to step down on moral ground and the Government continues its alleged authoritarian rule, the Governor must intervene as the head of the State.

The Governor must shoulder due responsibility as demanded by the obligation of her post, asserted the veteran politician.

He said that it is the responsibility of the Governor to uphold the Constitution and rule of law.

There is a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister N Biren to assist the Governor in discharging her Constitutional duties.

As the Chief Minister is involved in the case, there is no harm in assuming that his Council of Ministers is also involved in the same case because under the Indian Parliamentary system, there is something called collective responsibility of the Cabinet.

Given these circumstances, the Governor must exercise her discretionary power, Joy said and appealed to the Governor not to shy away from her Constitutional obligation.

Further urging the Governor to send a detailed report to the President of India, the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, Joy said that he would soon submit a representation to the Governor.

To get to the bottom of this highly complicated case and deliver justice, the Central Government should ensure that N Biren steps down from the post of Chief Minister, Joy added.