Threats still perceptible: Gaikhangam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2012: In addition to various difficulties, threats emanating from different quarters are still perceptible.

That is why all the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) except the Churachandpur ADC are functioning from Imphal, stated Tribal Affairs & Hills/Home Minister Gaikhangam.

Taking part in the discussion for demands in the State Assembly today, Gaikhangam reminded that the ADC election was held after a gap of 20 years with great difficulties amidst stiff opposition from some elements.

Joining the discussion, I Ibohalbi, quoting that the Government's claim about improvement in the law and order situation, suggested that the ADCs should be made to function from their respective district headquarters in the interest of the hill people.

Pointing out that almost all the armed militant groups operating in the hill districts have come either under cease fire agreement or SoO pact, Ibohalbi asked as to why the hill districts should not be relatively more secure than the valley where neither SoO pact nor cease fire agreement is in force.

If the existing ADCs refuse to function from their respective district headquarters, let them resign from their posts, Ibohalbi demanded.

To this, Gaikhangam clarified that improvement in law and order situation does not necessarily mean secured situation.

Gaikhangam

He also asserted that the ADCs are operating from Imphal not out of their choice.

Among the ADCs operating from Imphal, members of Ukhrul ADC have been enduring the greatest difficulties.

They are unable to visit their villages even if there are reports of illness and even death in their own families.

Despite this highly insecure situation, life must go on.

Nonetheless, the State Government has been working to overcome the situation and bring a conducive atmosphere.

Efforts are on to rationalise police force on district-wise basis.

There is no question of concentrating all the administrative powers at Imphal.

Not only ADCs, all Government offices can function properly in the hill districts only when there is conducive atmosphere.

For Tribal Affairs and Hills Department, 50 per cent of its administrative power has been devolved to the ADCs.

At the same time, the department has been implementing several programmes and schemes for economic alleviation of the poor, claimed Gaikhangam.

Maintaining that all Government departments should have their offices in the hill districts too, Dr Ibohalbi said concentration of all the offices at Imphal has been causing serious inconveniences to the hill people.

House condemns: The State Assembly today unanimously condemned the proposal put up at the Punjab State Assembly by Congress MLA Ajit Inder Singh Mofar to send stray dogs of Punjab to the Northeastern States.

The House also resolved to send a letter of condemnation to the Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Taking strong exception to the indecent proposal put up by the Punjab MLA, Trinamool Congress legislature wing leader Dr I Ibohalbi raised a call attention motion in the State Assembly.

Responding to the call attention motion, Speaker Th Lokeshwor stated that the House unanimously condemned the unparliamentary proposal of Ajit Inder Singh Mofar.

He also informed the House that a letter of condemnation would be sent to the Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Home Minister Gaikhangam remarked that MLA Mofar's proposal to export stray dogs to the North East was unparliamentary and condemnable.

He appealed to the Speaker to send a letter and ask his Punjab counterpart to advise all Punjab MLAs not to make such provocative and unethical statements in future, and at the same convey the hurt sentiments of the Northeastern people.

Dr Ibohalbi said that the Punjab MLA's proposal to export stray dogs to the North East was highly derogatory and provocative which could hurt sentiments of the Northeastern people.

Decrying the conduct of Punjab Legislative Assembly by discussing the issue of stray dogs as if there was no other issue with greater merits, Ibohalbi remarked that MLA Mofar's proposal did not look like he had any good intention or respect for the people of North East.

Such unwarranted proposals/comments can spiral into far greater issues like disintegration.

It would not be wise for the Centre to remain silent on such sensitive issue.

He also asked if the State Government has made any reaction.