Shah-chaired meet sans CM unconstitutional: MPCC
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 18 2024:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra contended that the high level security review meet on Manipur chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday without the participation of chief minister N Biren Singh, who also holds the home portfolio, was dishonour of the state by the Centre.
Addressing media persons at his official residence Tuesday, Meghachandra said the high level security meet was unconstitutional and complete disregard of the people of Manipur.
Law and order falls under the state list as per the 7th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Accordingly, discussing a state matter without participation of the chief minister, also in-charge of home portfolio, or any legislator on behalf of the CM was violation of rights enshrined in the Constitution and dishonour of the popular BJP government in the state, he said.
State DGP Rajiv Singh, security advisor Kuldiep Singh and chief secretary Vineet Joshi took part in the high level security meet chaired by Amit Shah but a big question arises if the three state officials from outside understand sentiments of the people or they fully acknowledge wish of the people of the state, Meghachandra expressed.
According to the MPCC president, there are signs of strain relation between BJP government in the state and at the Centre.
Amidst such situation, people of the state have suffered a lot as prices of essential commodities have sky-rocketed and cooking gas is not available to consumers.
Apart from this, development projects and schemes in the state have almost stopped and people are unable to move freely along national highways, he said and questioned as to why state government compromised in such a situation.
Further questioning if top security officials coming from outside could replace state's own 60 legislators in the crucial security meet concerning the state, Meghachandra contended that Article 355 and 356 are being imposed in Manipur without formal declaration.
As the Centre does not heed any point or suggestion raised from the side of state government, it is crystal clear that there is no government in Manipur, he alleged while maintaining that PM Modi will continue to remain silent and dishonour people of Manipur in his third term as well.
There are reports of illegal immigrants coming from Myanmar settling without any interruption in Kamjong and Tengnoupal districts but government does not act against the foreign intruders, Meghachandra said and wondered if the present state government is alive or dead.