No Govt nod to June 24 rallies demanding UT: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2024: It was in upholding democratic rights of the people that there were no crackdown against rallies taken out in pursuance of Union Territory demand in some districts on June 24 even though government did not approve the same.

However, there could be restrictions and arrests made as per the situation and when people cross the limit, cautioned chief minister N Biren Singh responding to a query raised by Congress MLA K Ranjit during Question Hour on the first day of the 6th session of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, which commenced on Wednesday.

In his response K Ranjit's posers regarding rallies held on June 24 in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Tengnoupal districts demanding Union Territory, the chief minister said government had not given approval for the rally but respective district administration took up measures to ensure law and order.

To prevent unwanted incidents, state and central forces dispersed people who congregated at the district headquarters on said day, he claimed.

According to CM Biren, government of Manipur has been taking up measures to uphold territorial integrity of Manipur with the state government's firm stand in this regard made crystal to the Centre.

Under any circumstance, the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be distorted and the state government will not compromise on unity and integrity of the state, Biren affirmed.

Being a democratic country, every citizen is entitled to freedom of speech, expression and gathering and excessive force cannot be used against citizens.

Nevertheless, it is duty of the government to prevent public from resorting to anti-national and anti-state activities.

Though excessive force cannot be used during public rally it might be due to intelligence report that security forces dispersed people on June 24, he said, adding that no FIR was registered regarding the rally but investigation and observation are on against leaders who spearheaded the rallies.

In his supplementary question, MLA Ranjit sought clarity from the government if any legal action was initiated against organisers of the rally and the number of FIR lodged as the government did not give permission for organising the rally.

He also queried on steps taken up, if any, by government to save Manipur.

Responding to another question raised by Khangabok MLA Surjakumar Okram, N Biren informed the House that there is no specific policy for extension of service tenure of government employees from 60 to 62 years as of now while confiding that due amount of about Rs 808.17 crore for pensioners are ready for clearance by March next year.

Regarding the extension of service, the government will look into its feasibility for consideration, he assured.

With regard to development of playground CM Biren informed Khundrakpam MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar of the Congress party that elected representatives from the constituency concerned may apply for such a project.

Meanwhile, Wangkhem MLA Keisham Meghachandra demand factors for non-conduct of Panchayat elections despite a gap of 32 months to which RD & PR minister Y Khemchand Singh said that the state cabinet has already taken resolution to conduct Panchayat election in the month of September, 2024 .

The State Election Commission has been intimated for finalising the date to hold the election, he disclosed and informed that the election had to be postponed due to the unstable law and order situation in the state.

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