Imphal, July 27 2009: Better training of police personnel, security along the National Highways and overall moni toring of movements of militants, featured promi nently during the discussion to pass the Manipur Appropriation Bills on the floor of the Assembly today.

Taking part in the discus sion, MPP MLA O Joy mooted the need to install Close Circuit Television cameras in order to detect UG activists as well as easing traffic congestion.

Noting that mobile phone has become an effective and convenient gadget for making monetary demands, Joy observed that mobile phones used in making monetary demands were never registered in the name of the callers.

He also suggested the House to procure requisite gadgets under police modernisation programme so that callers making police modernisation programme so that callers making monetary demands can be located.

Asserting that police commandos need training on how to tackle a militant or control a situation in crowded places instead of opening fire indiscriminately, the veteran leader called for increasing the number of bomb squads and also to equip police force with more advanced weapons.

Highlighting the repeated cases of extortion by hill based UG groups along NH-39 and NH-53, Joy questioned the failure of the State Government to protect the two life lines.

He further asked the Government whether it has any long term policy to fight the menace.

Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam emphasised the need on the part of Finance Department to monitor and ensure proper utilisation of the amount to be sanctioned by the House.

Taking part in the discussion.

Chief Minister O Ibobi informed the House that security forces are deployed along National Highways 39, 53 and 150 .

For protection of pgople, Army, Assam Rifles, IRB, Manipur Rifles and Civil Police have been deployed from Chingmcirong to Mao along NH-39 and Patsoi to Jiribam Uchathol along NH-53, Ibobi claimed.

Referring to the outstanding liability of Rs 512.83 crores reflected in the Manipur Appropriation (No 3) Bill 2009, the Chief Minister clarified that there was shortage in the funds sanctioned for several projects and revised estimates submitted by different departments.

Disclosing that the State Government is in constant touch with the Union Home Ministry about extortion activities along National Highways, Ibobi said that the State Government has been talking with neighbouring States to check extortion on National Highways.

Transport Minister L Jayantakumar said that no driving school has been set up under the State Government although there are two driving schools under different NGOs.

He pledged to look into irregularities, if there are any, while issuing driving licences.

Calling for imparting proper training to police personnel.

Morung Makunga suggested payment of over-time allowance as well as raising the uniform allowance of Home Guard and Traffic Police personnel.

During the discussion, MLA N Mangi drew the attention of the Minister concerned for extending the deadline of July 31 for submission of the forms of Crop Insurance Scheme of the Agriculture Department in view of the difficulties being faced by the farmers in the drought hit Manipur.

After due deliberation, the House passed six Bills - the Manipur Appropriation (No 3) Bill, 2009,(No4) Bill 2009,(No5 Bil 12009, (No 6) Bill 2009.(No 7) Bill 2009 and (No 8) Bill 2009 .

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