Session called to avoid dissolution : Dr Nimaichand Luwang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2023: The 4th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly scheduled on August 29 is being called just for formality and to avoid dissolution of the House and nothing more, observed National council member of Janata Dal (United) and former Minister Dr Nimaichand Luwang.

He made the statement during a press conference organised today by Opposition political parties at the State unit office of JD (U) at Palace Compound Govindaji road.

He said the Governor, on the recommendation of the State Cabinet, had summoned the Assembly session on August 29 and the same had been notified by the Assembly Secretariat yesterday.

The notification for the Session came more than a fortnight later after the Civil Society organisations, Meira Paibis and Opposition parties had pressed for convening an "Emergency or special" session.

A front of 10 Opposition parties, had on two occasions, also called on the Governor to summon the session in the face of the prevailing crisis in the State, he said.

The much desired session in the first week of August and even the August 21 session recommended by the Government did not happen, he lamented.

Delving into Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Dr Nimaichand said the previous session was adjourned on March 3.As per the Article 174 of the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business, a succeeding session should be convened within 6 months or earlier from the previous session.

And as such, the 4th Assembly session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly should be convened latest by September 2 before the Assembly gets dissolved, he said.

Thus the proposed session on August 29 is nothing but an attempt to meet the formality, to keep the Assembly alive, save the MLAs and the Ruling BJP and not to serve the aspiration of the people, he added.

Dr Nimaichand further noted that the Governor does not have the prerogative to summon an Assembly session anytime and for a session to be called, the Governor requires a recommendation from the State Cabinet.

On the dismissal of the previous (August 4) recommendation of the State Cabinet for summoning a session, Dr Nimaichand hinted at a controversy as the Governor had declined the recommendation of the State Cabinet.

It is an unprecedented incident and nothing similar has ever happened anywhere in India, he said.

If a normal Assembly session has to be convened, the Members (MLAs) of the House should be notified 15 days or earlier ahead of the session.

However, such formality was skipped for the upcoming session and thus the session is being summoned in violation of the Constitution, he said.

Since the Session has not been specified as "Emergency" or "Normal", the State Government in collusion with the Governor is apparently trying to create a Constitutional crisis, he alleged.

Meanwhile, vice president of State JD (U) and former MLA Dr Khwairakpam Loken said that the State Government had outrightly turned down the appeal from various quarters to convene an Assembly session to discuss the prevailing situation and take a resolute stand to end the crisis.

Neither this Government pays attention to the people's voice nor can it safeguard lives and property, he said.

Noting the hardships faced by the displaced people, he said nothing much has been done to alleviate their hardships at the relief camps they are taking shelter.

Visiting camps and distributing financial assistance of Rs 1000 to inmates will not help them much, he said.

The Opposition parties do not want to take political mileage on the issue nor they have tried to.

What these parties want is to aid the Government in safeguarding lives and properties of all, he said.

He then appealed to the State Government to concentrate more in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

He also urged the Government to regain administrative order in Moreh, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi to reinforce the idea of "One State, one administration" .

The press conference was also attended by JD(U) National council member and former Minister, Samuel Jendai; CPI (M) State secretary, Ksh Santa; Shiv Sena (Udhav Thackeray) Manipur unit president, Deban; JD (U) Manipur unit secretary general, Doren Maisnam and other key leaders of Opposition parties.

Comment