Imphal, January 28 2009: Independent MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing has accused FCS Minister Y Erabot of swindling 6635 quintals of rice meant for the people of Ukhrul district on two occasions in connivance with some officials.

The MLA has also demanded an inquiry into the alleged swindling of PDS rice.

Wungnaoshang alleged that the swindling of PDS rice meant for Ukhrul district by the FCS Minister has led to acute shortage of rice in Ukhrul district, particularly in the interior areas of Phungyar constituency.

In connection with the alleged swindling of such a huge quantity of rice meant for distribution to people at subsidised rate, written complaints have been lodged with the relevant Ministers and the Chief Secretary.

However there has been no positive action from the Government in this regard, the MLA said.

Wungnaoshang said that he was denied any opportunity to meet the Chief Minister to talk about the 'loss' of PDS rice twice.

Demanding a proper enquiry into the matter, he asserted that the SPF Government stands to lose faith of the people if the Government fails to establish the facts and circumstances under which the PDS rice meant for people was swindled.

However FCS Minister Y Erabot maintained that distribution of PDS rice is not done by the FCS Dept but by Deputy Commissioners.

He said that at the moment he could not tell whether there is rice in Ukhrul FCS godown.

Reaction to independent MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing's alleged 'vague allegations' about swindling 6635 quintals of PDS rice in connivance with some officials, Erabot said that the matter may be highlighted to the public.

On the other hand, talking about the persisting stand-off between Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) at Siroy, Wungnaoshang Keishing observed that because of the lingering impasse, people of the area have been facing a highly insecure situation fearing for the worst to the life and properties.

Asserting that the Government is acting like it does not know about the stand-off although it fully understands the situation, the MLA asked whether the Government wants that the people should die en-masse.

Naga MLAs will call on the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Union Defence Minister and apprise them about the resulting situation filled with high tension from the stand-off between the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) .

The Naga MLA will also be urging upon the Government of India to intervene into the impasse, Wungnaoshang said.

Even as the impasse has been continuing for weeks, the Chief Minister never bother to discuss the situation with Naga MLAs as if Ukhrul is not a part of Manipur.

Even when the Naga MLAs sought appointment with the Chief Minister on the issue, the Naga MLAs were not given any opportunity for a meeting, he decried.

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