Imphal, November 20: Dr HT Sangliana IPS (Retd) is a man who is never known to have pandered to the whims of politicians during his 36 years of distinguished service as an IPS officer in Karnataka.

Now, in his new avatar as a �politician�, after being elected MP from Bangalore North Constituency on a BJP ticket in the last election, he still carries with him the qualities that lend him the status of a celebrity cop : straightforward almost to the point of being brutal, dedicated to the job at hand, scornful of smart politicians and intolerant to inefficiency.

Perhaps due to his well known reputation, he has been appointed a member of various crucial house committees, including Home Affairs Standing Committee, Joint Committee on Security for Parliament House, Consultative Committee on Shipping, Road Transport and National Highways even though he is a first timer in Parliament.

During his two days private visit to Churachandpur after attending a NEHU Court sitting at Shillong, HT Sangliana was in his element.

When the security guards given to him during his stay here by the Manipur Government told him that they had no money for food, he promptly give them Rs 300.But when they demanded money again for fuel, he just took the phone and took the State DGP to task for it.

When he learnt about the forced labours imposed by the army on civilians, he immediately rang up the Defence Ministry and apprised them of the situation.

He also tried to meet the Army Brigadier stationed here on the case, but the officer was, unfortunately, out of station.

Inspite of his busy schedule, Sangliana took time off to answer a few questions from The Sangai Express TSE: What is the connection that binds you so strongly to Lamka town? HTS: Well, this is my home.

I have a house here.

My wife is from this place and two of my sisters are still living here.

TSE: It has been a long time since you left this place.

What differences do you see within the period? HTS: In terms of economic status or development, there is no difference.

I don�t know what our politicians here are doing.

They seem to be converting serious politics into a family agenda.

They should really be ashamed of themselves for all this mess.

TSE: You got elected as MP on a BJP ticket.

Are you influenced by them in terms of ideology etc? HTS: I believe it is the way God has opened for me.

I believe that we (Christians) should join the party and reform it from within.

During the campaign trail, there was a report in the Indian Express that I was trying to change the BJP into Bharatya Jesus Party.

It gave me a lot of embarrassment (laughs).

In fact, one of our election workers, Srinivas, and his entire family converted to Christianity after being with me the entire campaign period.

Many others are following suit.

TSE: We have the Tipaimukh Road(NH 150) unusable for the last more than 10 years.

HTS: As member of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Shipping, Road Transport and National Highways, I am pushing the case.

Something will come up.

TSE: What do you think about the proposed Tipaimukh Dam? HTS: I believe it is in our interest that it is constructed.

I am going to do what I can on this case.

But, for any major work or development, peace is the first necessity.

TSE: As a retired police officer, can you offer any clues on how to solve the insurgency movement here? HTS: It is important to understand the nature of the insurgency.

In genuine cases, dialogue is the only solution.

TSE: But, do you see a connection between the insurgency and all round political degeneration we are witnessing? HTS: Of course, the two are tied together.

They feed and fatten each other.

TSE: What is the general impression that people outside Manipur have about our State? HTS: That there is widespread corruption.

That the people are totally helpless.

That the UGs are collecting taxes at will.

The outside world is laughing at us.

TSE: As a first time MP, what are your priorities for your constituency in Karnataka? HTS: We have started some projects specifically for the old aged, handicapped and the infirm.

For me, I myself am going to monitor any work done with the MPLAD funds and there will be no misuse whatsoever.

TSE: The man who give you so much fame, Veerappan is dead�..

HTS: Yeah, and it is good news.

During my time too, I repeatedly said that it is intelligence that is the key to catching this man.

But, I don�t think it is a good idea to shower so much rewards on the STF soldiers who are involved in eliminating in Veerapan.

The money could have been utilized to help those people who suffered at the hands of the forest brigand.

TSE: Where do you plan to spend your life after retirement? HTS: You know, I am not yet retired.

I�m an MP, but I have no intention of becoming a politician (as you know them).

I wanted to show that politics is not just a refuge for the scoundrel.

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