We never advocated PR : MLAs clarify
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2023: Responding to the demand for clarification raised by six student bodies including MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK and AIMS regarding a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister a few days back, the nine MLAs (who submitted the memorandum) have clarified that they have no intention to see President's Rule in the State.

Speaking to the media at Delhi today, Nishikant Singh Sapam said he has been elected for the first time as an Independent MLA, and he is in no position to influence other MLAs.

"I have been supporting the BJP-led Government since the beginning and I have my full confidence in the leader of the House that the Centre had appointed", Nishikant said.

He also requested everyone to come together and move in one force for the sake of Manipur.

"We have our whole life to do politics but now it's not the right time", he said.

Th Radheshyam clarified that as per the decision taken at the chamber of the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, all the ruling MLAs decided to go to Delhi and seek an appointment with the Prime Minister of India and apprise the situation of Manipur.

"Application for appointment with PM was sent on June 15 to PMO via email and the appointment sought was not only for us but for all the MLAs of Manipur", he said.

Clarifying on the "Special Measures" mentioned in the memorandum, Radheshyam lamented that special measures have been misinterpreted as President's Rule.

"All of us are against PR.

First of all, the PR will affect the Cabinet Ministers and MLAs.

All the powers and facilities given under the Constitution will be relieved including the ability to suggest and instruct the State forces and Central armed police forces'", he said.

Special Measures categorically highlight essential items, medicine and education.

Special Measures is about the need for the co-ordination between the Centre and State to bring essential items and medicine in the State which are deprived to the general public due to blockade on NH-2 .

Special Measures talk about the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces where they would be much more effective, he said.

Asking for "Special Measures" is not asking for President's Rule, Radheshyam clarified.

Recalling that on 21st May, 2023 (Anti Terrorism Day), the Chief Minister had admitted to failure of law and order in the State, Radheshyam lamented that some of them have been singled out at this juncture.

He then appealed to all not to do this.

"If setting ablaze of my home is going to bring peace and tranquillity in the State, I am willing to burn my home myself or kill myself", he said.

"We strongly oppose the blame put on us that we are plotting to impose President's Rule in the State of Manipur", he said.

Appealing to the general public to kindly go through the explanation of "Special Measures", Radheshyam said that they are willing to work for the betterment of the State as per the desires and aspirations of the general public.

Karam Shyam said that on June 7, a meeting was called at the Speaker's chamber to discuss a proposal made by Chief Minister N Biren Singh (at another meeting held the previous day) for imposition of President's Rule in the State.

Some Ministers were willing to resign and some others were against the CM's proposal.

"I was totally against the proposal made by the Chief Minister as it is not right at this juncture and very much irresponsible as a legislator considering the prevailing situation in the State", Karam Shyam said.

In the 7th June meeting, the MLAs who were present unanimously decided to oppose imposition of President's Rule in the State, he said.

Karam Shyam said that the sole purpose of their visit to Delhi and submission of memorandum to the Prime Minister was to bring peace in Manipur.

"During the meeting with BL Santosh, I apprised him that until and unless the killing of innocent Meitei people by the Chin Defence Force and Kuki militants under the SoO is stopped, peace can't be restored in Manipur", he said..We would like to clarify that all of us are working tirelessly and wholeheartedly to bring peace and normalcy in the State of Manipur.

But, it is very unfortunate that we have been portrayed as the one plotting to bring President's Rule in Manipur.

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