Henkai Singsit clarifies on 'Judas Iscariot'; highlights issues
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 21 2021:
Day after Former ATSUM finance secretary, Henkai Singsit was released from jail on July 20, he explained as to why he had dubbed the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh as Judas Iscariot in his Facebook account which landed him in Sajiwa jail for a month.
Speaking to media persons at his Motbung residence, Henkai Singsit said that he was detained on June 24 and then thrown in Sajiwa Jail after four days of detention on July 29 without any clarification.
Henkai Singsit said, "I have spoken out against the Chief Minister of Manipur in my Facebook for betraying the trust of the tribal people since September 27, 2017, wherein a charter of demand was submitted to the Government of Manipur through former Chief Secretary, Suresh Babu which was a comprehensive memorandum identifying the problems and plights of the hill people".
The Government had acknowledged the genuineness of the demands but unfortunately, nothing has been done to translate them into reality even after innumerable talks with the Government even with the participation of the Chief Minister himself, concerned Ministers, and department officials, he added before adding that four years have passed yet nothing is seen on the ground.
He wondered as to why should the Government take its own people for a ride after making promise after promises yet never show the honesty in fulfilling them.
He said, "I have not said anything which is detrimental to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country, neither have I done anything that is prejudicial to the defense of this country or subvert our relations with any foreign country" .
"I have not said anything to incite public hatred, nor spoken out against any religion.
Neither, have I committed any crime to warrant this outrageous arrest and humiliation", asserted Henkai Singsit.
He also wondered as to why the government is allergic or apprehensive to public criticism and expression of one's opinion and views in matters of governance and said that the Government should do its job well and fulfill the promises if it doesn't want criticism or rebuke from the people.
He continued that one failed to understand as why the present government is trying to stifle the voices of dissatisfaction and takes innocuous statements in social medias so seriously whiled adding that criticism and dissent is a part and parcel of a liberal democracy and is needed for a healthy democracy.
People are angry with the government for its autocratic nature and vindictiveness.
They are being arbitrarily arrested, humiliated and thrown to prisons for petty offences which could have been either ignored or let-off after chastening them and with stern warning that they will be punished in the event of repetition, he added.
While reminding the State Government that it is the people who have catapulted them to power, Henkai Singsit said that present government should take it to their heart that election is around the corner and should mend their ways.
The former ATSUM Finance Secretary pointed out that there are 35 colleges in Manipur, 26 in the valley and only 9 in the hills while adding that three hill districts are without a college whereas every valley districts have got at least 5/6 colleges.
He also said that there are also uneven distribution of higher secondary schools as 23 higher secondary are existed in the hills whereas 36 in the valley.
He said that the demand for upgradation of more high schools to higher secondary is a non-starter till date while there is not a single Government Hr Sec School from Motbung to Mao, a distance of around 80 Km.
Recruitment of 42 MIL lecturers and 688 lecturers for higher secondary schools notification was issued on July 6, 2018 for which the appointment orders of 688 lecturers were issued on November 25, 2019 but MIL recruitment process is stalled till today for unknown reasons, he said.
He also pointed out that in connection with up-gradation of IGNTU to a full-fledged autonomous university, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had promised to take along the tea, of ATSUM to meet the former HRD Minister, Prakash Javedkar but has failed to fulfil it.
He said that with regards to appointment in six ADC's, notification was issued on February 29, 2020 but no ground work have been done till date.
He further pointed out that the election of ADCs which was to be held on June 1, 2020 is not done so far after innumerable MOU were signed for its conduct while adding that even ATSUM had called bandh on March 13, 2021 and imposed office picketing on April, 5 and 6, 2021.He said that delimitation of Manipur Assembly Constituencies, 2020 is still at blur.
Henkai Singsit further said.
"Judas Iscariot, the mysterious disciple betrayed Jesus with a kiss and I feel the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh betrayed the tribal people of the State with unfulfilled promises.
For all the above unattended, unfulfilled promises I dubbed the Chief Minister as Judas Iscariot" .
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