Non-Congress parties demand open deliberation on the Naga issue
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 19 2012:
Seven non-Congress political parties have demanded that whatever transpired during Chief Minister O Ibobi's meetings with Central leaders on the Naga issue should be deliberated in an open all-party meeting.
Meanwhile Chief Minister O Ibobi, after discussing the unfolding situation with regard to the Naga issue in a Cabinet meeting last evening, left for New Delhi this afternoon to hold a meeting with Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his wife MLA Landhoni.
Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club this afternoon, leaders of the seven political parties asserted that the Chief Minister should maintain a fair level of transparency and take the people into confidence when it comes to the hyper sensitive issue of territorial integrity and the Indo-Naga peace talk.
It is not advisable for the Government to maintain a deafening silence at such a critical juncture.
The political leaders who were present at the press meet were Dr M Nara of CPI, N Mangi of CPI, S Umananda of MPP, Sarat Salam of CPI (M), M Tombi of JD(U) and RK Shiva of Trinamool Congress.
Representatives of BJP and JD (S) were also present.
Pointing out that the people of Manipur have a nagging suspicion about possible disturbances to the territorial integrity of Manipur as a result of the Naga issue, the non-Congress leaders asserted that Chief Minister O Ibobi should have informed the people whatever points he discussed with the Union Home Minister regarding the Naga issue and possible models of resolution.
The seven parties have agreed to send a delegation to New Delhi and make it clear to the Government of India as well as all Central leaders the stance of the people of Manipur about the territory of Manipur.
The political leaders asserted that Congress party alone cannot bring a viable solution to the issue.
If the Chief Minister's statement about his meeting with the Union Home Minister is not acceptable to the people of Manipur, the Government should face the outcome.
The Government should explain its decision to form a Cabinet sub-committee in connection with the Naga issue.
Regarding appointment of Speaker Th Lokeshore's wife Th Nivedita in the Assembly Secretariat against a post of Under Secretary, they alleged that it was a case of blatant abuse of power by the Speaker/Deputy Speaker.
It was case of befooling the people and defiling democracy.
The seven parties have discussed the issue of making fraudulent appointments in the Assembly Secretariat by different Speaker and Deputy Speakers during their tenures.
It has been decided to submit a memorandum to the Governor tomorrow to investigate into all cases of unnecessary and fraudulent appointments in the Assembly Secretariat.
Demanding immediate termination of all the Assembly Secretariat employees who were appointed in wrongful manner, they also urged for punitive actions against officials who issued OBC certificates to undeserving people.
Appointment of the particular Under Secretary should be investigated by a House Committee, and due actions should be initiated against guilty officer(s) .
They further a thorough investigation allotting the project of phumdi clearance work from Loktak Lake to a fictitious company named M/S K Pro Infra Works Ltd by LDA which is headed by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chairman.
Questioning where and how the sanctioned amount of Rs 224 crores was utilised, they further asked as to why the single tender process was adopted.
They went on to ask how much of the project cost has been given as advanced payment.
The whole process must be investigated by an independent body, added the non-Congress leaders.
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