Bills don't impinge upon tribal interests: Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2015:
None of the three Bills passed by the Ma-nipur Legislative Assembly in accordance to the aspiration of the JCILPS, civil society orga-nisations and the people of Manipur impinge upon the land and interests of tribals, asserted Deputy Chief Minister Gai-khangam.
Briefing media persons this morning, the Deputy Chief Minister categorically stated that the Government would not have any reservation to modify the Bills if any one can point out the area which has the potential to infringe upon the land and rights of tribal people.
The Government would always welcome if someone points out any drawbacks or lapses in the three Bills.
Perhaps the Government is not intelligent enough if the three Bills contain anything which may infringe upon the land and interests of hill people.
"I'm also a hill man.
There are 20 MLAs elected from hill areas.
But when we studied the Bills, we found nothing which may affect the interests of hill people", Gaikhangam asserted.
Generally, a Bill is drafted after considering all aspects for the welfare of common people.
If any Bill designed for the welfare of common people harm any community, it must be modified/rectified.
Before the Bills were pas-sed, they were put in public domain which was something unusual.
The State Government has no qualms to modify/rectify the Bills if any of the stake holders, civil society organisations or individuals can point out any error or defective elements in the three Bills, Gaikhangam stated.
Violent protest movements seen in different parts of the State were results of misunderstanding.
To remove any misunderstanding and rectify mistakes, if there is any, a formal invitation has been sent to leaders of the protesters for a dialogue at the level of the Chief Minister.
However, no definite response has been received yet.
"We are all sons and daughters of Manipur.
Without Kukis, Manipur will not remain Manipur.
Likewise, Nagas, Meiteis and Meitei Pangals are all integral parts of Manipur", Gaikhangam asserted.
"Even if we have grievances, we must promote har- mony and peaceful co-existence", he continued.
The demand for separate administration was driven by sentiment, asserted Gaikha-ngam while conveying heart- felt condolence for all the people who were killed in the violent protest movement.
He also prayed that all the injured protesters may recuperate soon.
The violence characterised by burning down of houses and properties of elected representatives was of extreme nature.
The ongoing protest movement has also been speci- fically targeting security establishments and areas occupied by security forces.
Deployment of additional security forces would entail huge casualties.
The State Government has adequate strength of security forces.
Moreover, the Centre has assured additional security forces but the Government believes more in peaceful dialogue rather than resorting to force.
To bring an understanding through dialogue, Additional DGP LM Khaute and IGP L Kailun have been stationed at Churachandpur.
Moreover, the Chief Secretary has been sent to the district and he is awaiting a conducive atmosphere for dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) held a meeting today and discussed about the prevailing situation in Churachandpur.
The meeting resolved to invite civil society organisations of the district for an inclusive dialogue.
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