Govindas points finger at Cong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2023:
PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam has blamed the Opposition for derailing the Assembly session today and preventing the House from discussing the nearly four month old conflict.
At a press meet at DIPR's auditorium, Govindas said the crucial session of the Assembly was convened by the Governor to discuss the State crisis, but the Opposition "ruined" the opportunity.
Notably, the Assembly session was held today on the 119th day of the violent conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis that first erupted on May 3 from Churachandpur and neighbouring Bishnupur area during ATSUM's "Solidarity March" that saw Kuki protesters wielding sophisticated weapons like AK-47 Rifles.
The Assembly session was held amid condemnations from different quarters.
Several civil society organisations and veteran politicians like former Law Minister Okram Joy had accused the State Government of calling just a single day session.
The organisations and the former Law Minister had asserted that the one day session would not be enough to discuss the present crisis completely and meaningfully.
They had also claimed that the session was solely aimed at saving the Government from collapsing.
Significantly, none of the 10 Kuki MLAs who had demanded "separate administration" for Kuki people attended the Assembly session today.
Meanwhile, during the press meet today, Govindas said the session started at 11 am and the aim was to discuss the present crisis in detail as per the wishes of the people.
He said right after the Speaker entered the House, the Chief Minister stood up with the intention to slightly change the list of businesses under Rule 271 of the Rule of Procedures and Conduct of Business.
As soon as the Chief Minister stood up, the Opposition members, holding placards, demonstrated an "unconstitutional and rowdyish behaviour" .
This was unfortunate and it disrupted the session, Govindas said.
Even when the Speaker requested them to be seated, the Members of the Opposition continued to exhibit "unruly behaviours" and shouted slogans throughout the session, he said.
"Even when the Speaker resumed the session after half an hour of adjournment, the Opposition Members refused to sit" .
Today's session was an opportunity to discuss the present crisis in the State thoroughly.
It was an opportunity for both the Members of the Ruling and the Opposition to sit together and discuss the crucial issues.
However, this opportunity was "ruined" by the Opposition to serve their agenda to dissolve the House and bring President's Rule in the State, said Govindas.
"What the Congress did in the Lok Sabha was repeated here again.
This was unfortunate.
What Congress wants is PR [President's Rule] in Manipur," Govindas said.
The Assembly session could have discussed the crisis, its various facets and the developing situations under Rule No 31.The Congress "prevented" this from happening, he said, accusing the Congress of brewing more trouble and creating tension.
Health Minister Sapam Ranjan, Education Minister Th Bashanta, Thangmeiband AC MLA Khumukcham Joykisan, Lamlai AC MLA Kh Ibomcha and Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti Singh were present in the press meet.
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