Govt okay to proposals to make changes in MRVTMW Bill ; CM opens amendment, fresh Bill options
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2015 : Even as the 11th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly was prorogued today, Chief Minister O Ibobi has categorically stated that the twin options of either withdrawing the MRVTMW Bill for incorporating extra provisions/clauses or drafting a fresh Bill are open.

He acknowledged that the civil movement being spearheaded by the JCILPS is in the interest of every citizen of Manipur including all the legislators, NGOs and civil society organisations.

The Governor has reserved the Bill with a tag 'It is reserved for consideration with the President of India'.

However, it would be too early to conclude that the Bill would be rejected.

From the President, the Bill would be sent to the Union Law Ministry and then to MHA and it may also be tabled before the Union Cabinet.

As such, it is not clear whether the Bill would be approved or rejected.

File pic of a sit-in demanding ILPS

But there is a rule which says that it should be confirmed within six months whether a Bill proposed by a State has been approved or rejected, Ibobi said quoting an unofficial source.

If it is true, the Centre cannot keep the Bill in cold storage for a prolonged period.

Legal experts may be consulted to check whether the Bill submitted to the Governor can be withdrawn or not.

The Bill was prepared in consultation with House Members and members of JCILPS.

The Government would never browbeat its way.

Together with all the Opposition Members and political parties, a fresh Bill may be drafted in a very transparent manner.

Members of JCILPS may also be invited in the drafting process, Ibobi stated.

The Government has no reservation in rectifying the existing Bill or draft a fresh one.

"We thought that referring the Bill to the House select committee might take a prolonged period.

That was why, the Bill was passed in the form it was introduced as the Bill can be always amended once it is passed", Ibobi clarified.

It would be very difficult to find a solution to the existing issue without dialogue.

The Government has its door wide opened for negotiation with JCILPS.

The Government has no intention to impose curfew indefinitely.

Indefinite curfew was never imposed even at the time of war.

Curfew may be lifted in phase manner if the situation improves.

MLA Dr Ibohalbi said that one IPS non-local officer was seen in media pursuing protesters by opening fire from his service revolver in Khurai even after the protesters had fled away, Ibobi assured that he would look into the matter and see that disciplinary actions can be initiated against the particular IPS officer.

There is an instruction to use water canon first before using tear gas shells.

But when the number of protesters grew by hundreds and if some of them resorted to pelting stones, police usually had a very time controlling such situations, Ibobi added.

Later the Manipur Appropriation Bill (No 5) amounting to Rs 9728,60,95,000 was passed by the House.

MLAs L Ibomcha and Th Shyamkumar took part in discussing the Bill.