Govt handed UC chairman to Kuldiep: O Joy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 22 2024:
Veteran politician Okram Joy Singh has said that state government engaged and handed over the post of Unified Command (UC) chairman to security advisor Kuldiep Singh.
Addressing media persons at his Kakwa residence on Monday, O Joy said Kuldiep was handed chairman of the Unified Command on May 31, 2023 and an order in this regard issued by state home department.
The order also mentioned that chief minister could convene meeting of the Unified Command if required and chair such meetings.
Kuldiep Singh was made Security advisor to look into the violence in Manipur and he is not the owner of the state government.
Accordingly, it is the duty of state government to keep a tab on activities and conduct of Kuldiep Singh.
According to 0 Joy, it is the council of ministers led by chief minister to run the government and Kuldiep Singh was engaged by the state to look after the violence as security advisor However, it is very interesting that some ruling MLAs and BJP Manipur Pradesh president attempted to remove Unified Command chairman post from Kuldiep Singh and handover the post to chief minister.
Nevertheless, security advisor Kuldiep committed numerous mistakes, O Joy said and questioned the reason behind central forces protecting state forces deployed in Moreh instead of launching joint operation to flush out Kuki militants from the border town.
Such mistakes from both the security advisor and state government let the people to suffer more, he added.
Former MLA L Jayantakumar, who also attended the press conference, appealed the chief minister to work as per pulse of the people while cautioning that no solution could be brought by shirking responsibility.
It is not law which will give verdict to the present crisis but by the people, he said and asked chief minister N Biren Singh to work sincerely by understanding seriousness of the present crisis rather than pointing fingers.
In reply to an RTI application, central government had said that Article 355 has not been enforced in Manipur and it is prerogative of the state government to maintain law and order.
However, chief minister N Bireri Singh had reportedly informed Opposition leaders that Article 355 has been enforced in the state, Jayantakumar noted adding that it would.be right for the chief minister to clarify officially in this matter.
The press conference was also attended by former MLA RK Anand.