Joy calls for polishing police behaviour, haughtiness
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 20 2010: In order to prevent complete erosion of public faith in the State forces including police, their attitude, conduct and behaviour need a thorough cleansing and vaccination process, stated MPP Legislature wing leader O Joy.

Taking part in the discussion of demands pertaining to Police, Vigilance, Fire Protection and Control and Home Guard in the State Assembly yesterday, MPP MLAs raised policy and token cuts.

Later, the House unanimously passed all the demands.

Joy observed that the role and responsibility of Police and Home Department are enormous in a State like Manipur where there is a conflict situation besides various other intriguing issues such as the persistent attempt to disintegrate Manipur.

Police Commandos show off their acrobatic skills on Aug 6, 2009, when the July 23 incident was hot

Noting that the State Government's decision to bar entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to Manipur was lauded by all sections of people, Joy hailed the courage and spirit of Manipur Police who braved all odds to foil Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur.

But the death of two persons at Mao Gate was quite unfortunate, Joy said.

It would not be correct for the Manipur Police to forfeit public confidence which they won in the Mao episode by not mending their attitude and conduct, Joy asserted.

Observing that most of the police stations are not fit with many of them having no telephone connection while many others have no proper buildings, he opined that it would be in the interest of the State to establish many more police stations.

He demanded that the activities of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation should be expanded.

Claiming that there were reports about misuse of Rs one crore belonging to the corporation, Joy questioned as to why the corporation's money are kept in private banks, Axis Bank and ICICI.

Even as the Supreme Court has banned imposition of bandhs and blockades, there was a highway blockade for 68 days.

Though the Court ordered arrest of the leaders of the organisations imposing blockade on the National Highways, police seemed hesitant in following the court order, Joy remarked.

Denouncing the decision of some Naga organisations to sever all ties with the Government of Manipur as well as the reported declaration that 'they' were treated like untouchables, Joy reminded that former Chief Ministers Yangmaso Shaiza, Alimuddin and Rishang Keishing were regarded in high esteem as political leaders.

He went on to question if there was any instance of practising untouchability in the House or any where in the State.

Joining the discussion, MLA Ibohalbi remarked that substitution of Manipur Police by CISF for the Chief Minister's personal bodyguard was a big blot on the integrity of the State forces.

The recent episode of Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur demonstrated to the hill people that there was a Government in place.

Stating that only police can ensure extension of State administration to hill areas, Ibohalbi observed that responsibility of police in state administration is huge.

But some police personnel has been tarnishing the image of Police Department.

Alleging that Vigilance Department was not working in the interest of public, Ibohalbi asserted that public viewed the department as totally bereft of integrity.

Dr Ng Bijoy chipped in that recommendations made by Vigilance were not put into action by departments concerned.

Observing that duties of Home Guards are varied and numerous whereas the allowances given to them is little, Dr Bijoy suggested some increments in their allowances.

Categorising the duties of police as investigation of crimes, maintenance of law and order and functions at local level, opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, quoting a Supreme Court, asserted that crime investigation and maintenance of law and order shoud not be amalgamated but kept separately.

However, in Manipur all the different duties of police are mixed up despite the Supreme Court's directive.

This is one fundamental reason for the deadening pace of crime investigation.

The evolving situation demands that intensive training be given to police personnel on crime investigation and urban warfare.

Observing that police are involved in extortion and other criminal activities like bomb attacks while people are fearful of carrying any sum of money lest they come across police commandos, Radhabinod lamented that the Government seemed unable to devise any mechanism to remedy such unhealthy perception about police commandos.

Opposition Member Doukhomang Khongsai proposed that State police be strengthened in remote areas.

He suggested that one SDPO should be stationed in each and every sub-division.

The police station opened in Saikul sub-division has no infrastructure worth its name.

On the other hand, sometimes, UG cadres under SoO pact were indulging in illegal activities.

Even cadres holding higher ranks could be seen indulging in unwanted activities openly in public markets, Doukhomang informed the House while asserting that such activities can be controlled by police.

Without police, it is very hard to live normal life in remote areas, he added.

Taking part in the discussion, ruling MLA N Mangi said that Home Department has been improving but it is still lacking in intelligence sector.

Ruling MLA L Nandakumar, I Hemochandra and opposition MLA RK Anand also took part in the discussion of demands.