Protests continue with no let up ; Dy CM urges dialogue to resolve ILP issue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17 2015 : Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has called upon all concerned to come forward for a dialogue in order resolve all issues related to the pro-ILPS mass movement including the untimely demise of Sapam Robinhood.

Speaking to some media persons at his official residence this afternoon here, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that since Chief Minister O Ibobi assured on the floor of the House on July 15, the Government has been working incessantly to introduce a new Bill within the shortest possible time.

The Government today met members of the High Court Bar Association, All Manipur Bar Association, Bar Council of India, Manipur and other senior Advocates and solicited their views and thoughts.

Members of the three bar associations gave several suggestions during the meeting where the Chief Minister was also present.

Protests continue with no let up Dy CM urges dialogue to resolve ILP issue

Ibobi appealed to the three bar associations to give a set of combined suggestions and if possible a draft Bill.

Responding to the Chief Minister's appeal, the three associations assured all possible assistance.

Informing that the Government has been working to talk with all stake holders, Gaikhangam conveyed that maximum efforts are being made to hold a meeting between the Government and JCILPS.

He exuded that JCILPS would come forward for dialogue with the Government soon.

Gaikhangam stated that the circumstances under which the Government talked with legal experts and JCILPS while preparing the previous Bill are quite from the present conditions.

Now the Government has been consulting with legal experts so as to avoid any form of loopholes.

The process of drafting a new Bill has already started.

After incorporating all the provisions and clauses suggested by all stake holders, the Bill would be tabled before Constitutional experts.

The Government is also planning to place the draft Bill before the Governor before it is introduced and passed in the State Assembly.

Even though the Chief Minister sought a maximum of three months for drafting and passing a new Bill, the Bill may be drafted in the next couple of days provided all stake holders cooperate in the Bill drafting process.

Talking about the demise of Robinhood, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that a senior police officer has been assigned to investigate into the death following a complaint filed by the victim family to the DGP.

Earlier, an FIR was already registered.

Even if there were lapses in the police FIR, it can be rectified, and the most appropriate course of action may be decided in consultation with the JAC.

Pointing out that there were many cases where police personnel were dismissed or imprisoned for committing unlawful or criminal activities, Gaikhangam clarified that the Government has no intention to condone any police personnel if they have committed excesses with regard the demise of Robinhood.

Whether it is enforcement of ILPS or the tragic death of Robinhood, the best option to find a solution is holding dialogues among all stake holders, asserted Gaikhangam while appealing to all concerned to come forward for dialogue.