Ruckus mars one day session, House adjourned sans discussion on clash
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2023:
The fourth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly has been adjourned sine die after the Opposition Congress raised a strong protest contending that no agenda to protect Manipur was listed in the one-day session's business.
On the other hand, none of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs who are demanding a separate administration could be seen in the House.
Obituary reference to late Members of the house namely; Chungkhokai Doungel (Saikul AC), M Nilachandra (Mayang Imphal AC), RK Theko (Mao AC), RV Mingthing (Chingai AC), Konsam Tomba (Khundrakpam A C) and Assembly Secretary N Hera, and tabling of the Business Advisory Committee's report by the leader of the House (Chief Minister) were the two agenda lined up in the list of business of the House.
Soon after Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata opened the day's business, the five Congress Members led by Opposition leader Okram Ibobi raised a point of order asking several questions.
Pointing out that their proposal to extend the Assembly session to at least five days and other suggestions have been left out of the Assembly's business list, the Opposition MLAs asserted that Manipur has become a lawless State.
They questioned whether the Assembly session was a short notice session or normal session, and under which rule the one-day session was summoned.
Further pointing out that the ongoing violent crisis and the popular agenda to safeguard the interest of Manipur were missing from the business list, the Opposition Members raised a ruckus inside the House.
Amidst the din, Chief Minister N Biren stated that the Business Advisory Committee's agenda can be modified and a new agenda can be inserted.
The Chief Minister also tabled a resolution on the violent crisis besieging the State and the resultant restive situation.
Reading out the resolution, N Biren stated that the Manipur Legislative Assembly ought to condemn the killing of people and destruction of properties witnessed in the State in the course of the violent crisis.
Saying that more than 4000 cases have been registered so far in connection with the violence, Biren maintained that discussing the matter in the House would be sub-judice.
In the middle of the Chief Minister's speech, Opposition Members resorted to sloganeering, demanding protection of democracy.
They also held placards.
Maintaining that the Chandrayaan mission was launched under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, N Biren lauded the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in the south pole of the moon.
The Chief Minister also congratulated Dr Ningthoujam Raghu for his successful and direct involvement in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
In the midst of the ruckus, the Members of the House led by Chief Minister N Biren condoled all those people who were killed in the course of the violence by observing silence for two minutes.
But the Opposition Members went on shouting and sloganeering.
Lashing out at the Opposition Members for their noisy disturbance, the Speaker adjourned the session for half an hour.
As soon as the session was resumed, the resolution tabled by the Government was passed by the House with the ruling MLAs banging their desks in support.
But it only aggravated the ruckus with the Congress MLAs raising different slogans.
Subsequently, Speaker Th Satyabrata adjourned the House sine die.
While condoling the tragic loss of many lives in the recent violence in the State, the House extended its thoughts and condolences to the bereaved families.
The House unanimously resolved to work for the oneness and harmony of all the people of Manipur, irrespective of caste, community, region, religion or language.
"As peace is the priority of the State, this House will strive to resolve all the differences among the people till complete peace returns to the entire State, through dialogue and Constitutional means", read the resolution passed by the State Assembly.
The House further resolved to appeal to each and every individual not to pay heed to divisionary elements but maintain peace and shun violence in the interest of the State and the Nation.
"By adopting this resolution, this House reaffirms its dedication to stay together in these trying times by healing wounds, fostering unity and creating a brighter future for all residents," it added.
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