ZSUM demands exit of Agri Minister
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, May 13 2014 : Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) has condemned the ugly episode of alleged manhandling and verbal abuse against a tribal officer (ZEO/BPO) on April 24 by Manipur Agriculture minister Md Abdul Nasir.

The students' body vehemently denounced the undesirable act and unparliamentary words uttered by a cabinet minister as depicting his immaturity to occupy an esteemed portfolio.

ZSUM said that it has been patiently awaiting his graceful exit from the ministerial post on moral ground as his actions are tantamount to savagery and barbarianism of the ancient world which is inapplicable in one of the largest democratic country like India.

He should bear in mind that the rights and privileges are safeguarded under several Acts enshrined in the constitution of India.

As a law maker, Nasir is not expected to defy the law of the land and take the law in to his own hands to suit his interest, ZSUM has said.

While endorsing the demands of ATSUM for removal of Nasir from his ministerial post, ZSUM said it would like to advise any civil organisation not to jump in to the conclusion in favour of any party without knowing the factual events and evidences.

"The history of manhandling and using of communal words against many tribal officers and friends have been reported time and again in the print media at regular intervals and the Congress legislature party must have meticulously cross-examined the causes of his behaviourism as to how and why he is known for his notoriety," ZSUM stated.

"If such a notorious minister continues to occupy a respectable position, petty cultivators/farmers of the state will suffer a great deal as nobody will dare to drop in to his official quarter for financial assistance for fear of facing the same fate with others.

Instead of visiting petty cultivators and encouraging them for bumper agricultural products, he is wasting his precious time picking up a tussle with bureaucrats/officers for silly matters.

Indeed, he has bitten a bite too big to be swallowed.

For instance, directing the ZEO to sideline the SSA's guideline is a breach of law as SSA is the implementing agency and vehicle of the RTE Act," ZSUM added.

ZSUM has appealed to all sections of the state not to resort to the use of communal and provocative language that might hinder the coordination and peaceful co-existence of different communities.

"Press fraternity and civil organisations are reminded not to speak or comment on communal line that may ignite and flare up untoward chaos unnecessarily.

To err is human and to forgive is divine is a popular maxim and therefore the minister should ask for forgiveness for the mistake committed by him and the tribal officer and civil organisations should be ready to forgive if one realises the mistake that hurts the sentiment of others.

The Union is not against any community but against the minister who holds the charge of agriculture in the state government," it added.

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