Bill drafting committee constituted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2018: The State Government has constituted a committee to draft the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill which would be tabled in the monsoon session of the State Assembly, likely to be held in the month of July.

According to an order issued by Joint Secretary (Home) Rehanuddin Choudhury on May 23, IPR Minister Th Biswajit is the convenor of the 13-member committee.

Other members are Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip, PHE Minister Losii Dikho, Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian, HAC Chairman T Thangzalam Haokip, former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam.

Government chief whip P Saratchandra, MLAs Khashim Vashum, Awangbow Newmai, TN Haokip, Gaikhangam, Susindro (Yaima) and Advocate General N Kumarjit.

The committee would be assisted Law Secretary Nungshitombi Athokpam and Special Secretary (Home) Kh Raghumani.

Speaking to media persons at his Sanjenthong residential quarters today, Th Biswajit said that due process of drafting the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill was initiated sometime back and major portions of the Bill have now been drafted.

The committee has been considering to hold a meeting on June 2.Together with civil society organisations based in the hill districts and other groups, the draft Bill would be studied together at the meeting.

Then a consultative committee would be formed which would hold a meeting on June 5 or 6 .

Thus, maximum efforts would be invested to table a Bill which would be acceptable to all communities of the State.

The Government has already sought opinions and suggestions from different quarters after holding a joint meeting with JCILPS, different civil society organisations and leaders of different communities.

He noted that immigration of Rohingyas and other immigrants, forgery of Aadhaar cards and detection of non-local people who do not possess proper ID cards is a very serious issue.

There is no prohibition when any Indian citizen visits the State but they must come with a valid identification document, Biswajit Said.

"As a Manipuri and as a politician, we are committed to safeguard the indigenous people of the land and the sanctity of its boundary", said Biswajit who is also the Government spokesman.

During a special drive, 11 Rohingyas were arrested and police have been investigating their motive and intention of sneaking into Manipur.

On being enquired about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Government spokesman said the Government is determined to keep the Bill away from Manipur.

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