Fate of Motion
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 18 2013: On July 18, 2007, on his way back after inspecting a number of health centres in Kumbi AC, the then Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat was detained and quizzed by a Major of 7 Assam Rifles at Wangoo Sagang.

The incident triggered shock and anger among the legislators and people of Manipur and a motion was tabled in the State Assembly against the Army officer.

More than six years have passed, however, no one seems to know what has happened to the important motion.

Now, seasoned politician O Joy, in his effort to trace the motion, has portrayed the infamous incident in his book, 'The Fate of the Motion (2007) - A Case of Breach of Privilege and Contempt' .

The book was released in a simple but solemn function held at Lamyanba Shanglen today.

Book - 'The Fate of the Motion (2007) - A Case of Breach of Privilege and Contempt'

Regarding his book, O Joy said, among various issues and incidents which he had come across during his political career, the incident of Wangoo Sangang was one of the most shocking and unfortunate.

Saying that detaining and quizzing a Minister of the State Government by an Army Major was a sheer breach of the privilege of the State Legislative Assembly, O Joy added that his book tries to trace the motion which was tabled in the State Assembly in connection with the incident.

The seven times elected former MLA said that the incident was an insult to democracy and Manipur as the Constitution of India does not permit an Army Major to detain a Cabinet Minister.

Saying that a motion can not only form a Government but also can overthrow it, O Joy said that his book tries to decipher the significance of a motion with reference to the incident of Wangoo Sagang.

Speaking at the function, Manipur Public Service Commission Member P Bhorot said, different issues pertaining to around 27 lakh people of Manipur are discussed in the State Assembly.

Maintaining that the SP concerned could have filed an FIR against the Army Major, Bhorot said that the conduct of the Army officer was a complete disrespect of the people of Manipur and the State Assembly.

Retired Political Science Professor of Manipur University, Ksh Bimola questioned why the leaders of Manipur remained helpless at such serious offence against State legislature.

Retired Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, RK Manisana, retired District and Sessions Judge, C Upendra and former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam were also present at the function.

The book was published by Manipur Library Association (MALA) .