'Delhi do was executive meet, not politician meet'
Kuldiep is UC Chairman : Govindas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 19 2024: Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh is the Chairman of the Unified Command, not Chief Minister N Biren, stated Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

Speaking to media persons at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of BJP Manipur Pradesh today, Govindas Konthoujam rejected Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra's assertion that the high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at New Delhi on June 17 on the security situation of Manipur without Chief Minister N Biren violated Article 7 of the Indian Constitution.

It was the Government of India which appointed Kuldiep Singh as the Security Advisor to monitor the law and order situation of Manipur and he is holding the chairmanship of the State's Unified Command, Govindas stated.

'Delhi do was executive meet, not politician meet'

The high-level meeting convened by the Union Home Minister was a meeting of executives, not politicians.

That was why the Chief Minister did not take part in the meeting, he said.

He maintained that there was no question of humiliating the people of Manipur.

As the Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary and the DGP were present at the meeting, no harm was done when the Chief Minister stayed away from the meeting, he said.

To a query raised by media persons on the possibility of extensive combing operations in both the valley and hill districts of Manipur, the Works Minister said that there is no report as of now to carry out extensive combing operations.

Nonetheless, construction of prefabricated houses for accommodating security forces has already begun at 55 sensitive locations, particularly foothills, Govindas said.

This is a joint initiative of the Central Government and the State Government to make way for peace between the two communities, he said.

Informing that Manipur has been listed at number 5 in the Prime Minister's 100 days action plan, Govindas opined that this (deployment of security forces in foothill areas) may be a follow-up action for the welfare of people.

On the growing demand for resignation of the Chief Minister, Ministers and all ruling MLAs and the parallel assertion that the Chief Minister and the Ministers should be held accountable in case President's Rule is imposed in the State which has gone viral in social media, Govindas maintained that it's time for all to come together and work as one towards restoration of peace in the State.

All activities which seemed to be driven by intentions to score political mileage and earn popularity at such a critical situation are rather unfortunate, he said.

Congress leader Pawan Khera's remark whether the Centre has raised some sort of a no confidence motion against Chief Minister N Biren was unwarranted and unbecoming, Govindas decried.

He then expressed suspicion whether there is a group of people who do not wish the Manipur crisis to come to an end but intent on politicising the crisis.

There may be a reason for the Chief Minister to abort his proposed visit to Jiribam.

Perhaps, the proposed visit has been delayed but not cancelled, Govindas said.

The Chief Minister has been doing everything for the welfare of the people, efforts are underway to open National Highways by deploying adequate security forces, Govindas claimed.

Claiming that both the Centre and the State Government have been working to restore peace and normalcy in Jiribam, the Works Minister condemned the attack which targeted the Chief Minister's advance security team heading to Jiribam.