BJP team lays down case before Rajnath Singh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 05 2016 : Whereas the all party delegation is camping at Delhi awaiting appointment with the Union Minister, a team of BJP Manipur Pradesh called on Rajnath Singh this morning.

Meanwhile, soon after landing at Delhi, Chief Minister O Ibobi convened a meeting of the all party delegation at 6 pm today and discussed about the points they should lay before the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.

The State BJP team which called on Rajnath Singh included party president Ksh Bhabananda, former Minister O Joy, former president Sh Shantikumar, general secretary Basanta and spokesman RK Shivachandra.

On the other hand, a large number of Manipuri students staying at Delhi marched up to Manipur Bhavan, Sardar Patel Marg demanding enforcement of ILPS or a similar mechanism in Manipur.

As the students raised an uproar, Delhi Police swung into action and two students including Manipuri Students' Association Delhi (MSAD) finance secretary Md Ali were pulled up.

State BJP team with Kiren Rijiju calling on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh

The BJP team urged the Union Home Minister to give an appointment to the all party delegation from Manipur as soon as possible, according to a press release issued by BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesman RK Shivachandra.

Rajnath Singh stated that he is ever ready to meet the all party delegation.

Rajnath stated he was deeply concerned with the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The State BJP team urged the Union Home Minister to ensure that the three Bills are converted into Acts as soon as possible in the interest of the people of Manipur.

Pointing that the Governments of Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim enacted separate Acts which prohibit sale of land to non-local people, the team asserted that the three Bills were passed by the State Assembly unanimously to protect all the indigenous peoples of Manipur.

The Bills are neither anti-National nor anti-tribal.

To the Union Home Minister's query whether the three Bills are supported by all the political parties active in Manipur, BJP Manipur Pradesh Ksh Bhabananda replied that there was no objection from any quarters.

The team further apprised Rajnath Singh that the Bills are supported by all the people and they do not impinge upon the rights and interests of any section.

Yet, some elements have been misinterpreting the three Bills.

Whereas Manipur valley has been bearing the brunt of incessant influx from Bangladesh, Myanmar and other places, valley dwellers cannot buy land in hill areas.

As such, population density of Imphal valley has been growing at an alarming rate.

After giving a patient hearing, Rajnath suggested about exploring the best possible solution together with the all party delegation, Shivachandra conveyed.

On being informed that the Chief Minister has resolved not to go back to Manipur without holding a meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue, Rajnath pointed out that as per a schedule fixed earlier, the Prime Minister is currently on a tour of foreign countries for six/seven days.

Rajnath went on to ask, "Is the Chief Minister not expected to know the Prime Minister's schedule if he was determined to meet the Prime Minister?" .

The Chief Minister was politicising the three Bills, Rajnath added, according to the statement issued by BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesman RK Shivachandra.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam landed at New Delhi this evening.

Gaikhangam is also expected to take part when the all party delegation meets the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.