The House assembled at 11.00 am of Tuesday, the 22nd July, 2003 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair.

 MEMBERS PRESENT:

             Hon’ble Chief Minister, 25 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, 9 Ministers of State and 21 Elected Members.

 QUESTIONS: 

(a)       In reply to Starred Question No. 374, asked by Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA regarding the shifting of DIET Centre, Tamenglong to Tamei, the Hon’ble Minister (SCERT) made a reply. 

(b)       In reply to Starred Question No. 375, asked by Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the approved staff strength of DRDA, the Hon’ble Minister (RD & PR)) gave a reply.  

(c)       In reply to Starred Question No. 376, asked by Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA regarding the plan for improvement of drainage system around Imphal Municipality Area, the  Hon’ble Minister (MAHUD) made a reply. 

(d)       In reply to Starred Question No. 377, asked by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA regarding  the withdrawal of affiliation of Lamka College, Churachandpur, the Hon`ble Minister  Education (U) gave a reply. 

(e)       In reply to Starred Question No. 378, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the R.C.H.  Project in Thoubal District, the Hon`ble Minister (Family Welfare) made a reply. 

(f)        In reply to Starred Question No. 379, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding Agricultural land damaged due to flood, 2002, the Hon’ble Minister (Agriculture) gave a   reply. 

(g)       In reply to Starred Question No. 380, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding  the Scheme for purchase of tractors and power tillers for the year 2003-2004, the Hon`ble Minister (Agriculture) made a reply. 

(h)       In reply to Starred Question No. 381, asked by Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA  regarding the vacancy of Graduate and Undergraduate teachers, the Hon`ble Minister  Education (S) gave a reply. 

(i)        In reply to Starred Question No. 382, asked by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA  regarding the completion of Urban Health Centre at Singjamei, the Hon’ble Minister  (Health) made a reply. 

Answers to Starred Question Nos. 383, 384 and 385 were laid on the Table as written replies.

PAPER LAID ON THE TABLE: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister laid on the Table of the House a copy of the Annual Report of the State Vigilance Commission, Manipur, 2002-2003. 

ZERO  HOUR: 

Shri B.D. Behring, MLA called the attention of the House on the disruption of telephone lines, especially for Members. He also wanted to furnish a figure of the State overdraft to the House. 

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA raised matters regarding a reported killing of a person and also the medical treatment of Yumlembam Surjamani, who was earlier referred to the J.N. Hospital from Sajiwa Jail.  

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA wanted the immediate appointment of an interim Chairperson in Imphal Municipal Council. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker Shri T.N. Haokip observed that the sentiment of Shri B.D. Behring, MLA was noted and that the matter would be taken up with the Telephone Authority. 

CALLING  ATTENTION: 

(1)       Shri B.D. Behring, MLA called the attention of the Home Minister on the reported displacement of the villagers of Dingpi area due to renewed encounter between two U.G. Groups. 

            He quoted the July 21st Free Press and Sangai Express publication and said that the said areas had been bearing the brunt of inter UG fighting since March. The hapless villagers were presently taking refuge in different safer places, he added. He mentioned that so far no adequate relief materials had been supplied. Due to the remoteness of the area, the postmortem of the deaths could not be properly conducted and sought a clarification regarding it from the Chief Minister. He urged the Government to take up steps for providing ex-gratia, compensation, relief and security to the villagers. 

            The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the motion expressed that it was an unfortunate incident. The place was not easily accessible and steps have been taken up to post civil police forces in these areas, he said. He denied the allegation of not providing adequate relief materials. Regarding payment of ex-gratia, investigation report of the case was required, he added. 

            (2)       S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs called the attention of the Chief Minister on the proposed 45 day economy blockade on N.H. 39 by MTPRM (Manipur Tribal Peoples’ Rights, Manipur).  

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA expressed that due to the imposition of continuous blockades, the people were kept as hostages. He stressed the need to discuss the matter exhaustively and bring about an amicable solution. He added that there was no discrimination in fund allocation and Tribal were getting their due share. He made an earnest appeal to the leaders to come forward in solving the problem. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA made an appeal through the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, to withdraw the 45-day blockade called by MTPRM. He expressed the need to frame a long-term policy to solve the problem. He blamed the Government for signing MOUs even for trivial matters. Terming such blockade as a challenge to the State, he said that no economic blockade should be imposed by any organisation. 

(The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker adjourned the House
at 1.05 pm.. till 2.05 pm. of the day). 

Afternoon Session resumed at 2.10 pm. 

            The Hon’ble Chief Minister replying to the call attention motion of S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs observed that the economic blockade called by Movement for Tribal Peoples` Rights Manipur was very unfortunate. He said that the Government was protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes in the state. Referring to the posting of science and mathematics teachers to hill schools, implementation of tribal sub plan, posting of doctors to hill health centres, he said that steps were undertaken in these directions. He informed the House that despite economic blockades on NH- 39 passenger buses and trucks carrying essential commodities were being brought back to Imphal under police escort. He also expressed the need of an appropriate legislation to prevent blockades on National Highways. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA urged the government to explore ways for a lasting solution to the problem of blockades. 

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS: 

            Hon`ble Chief Minister moved Demand No. 7- Police, Demand No .24- Vigilance Department, Demand No. 31- Fire Protection and Control, Demand No. 32- Jails, Demand No. 33- Home Guards and Demand No. 34- Rehabilitation for discussion in the House. All the Demands were clubbed for a joint discussion. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA while moving a cut motion observed that a criminal trend was arising in the society for which he blamed the Police Department. He urged the Government to enforce the Wild Life Act strictly to avoid its infringement. Citing various instances of atrocities and excesses by the security force, he said that necessary steps must be taken to check it. He said that the State Government should take steps to proclaim a cease-fire for making negotiation with insurgent groups. Improvement in the morality and discipline of police, modernisation of police, provision for proper reward or punishment to police personnel and strengthening of prosecution and investigation cells were some of the suggestions he made.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA while moving a cut motion observed that Manipur Police personnel didn’t discharge their duties satisfactorily. He observed that crimes were increasing and cited some instances. He criticised the surplus number of Home Guards in Home Guard Department. He blamed some police officers for involvement in land encroachment/ acquisition. He observed that the Vigilance Department was very ineffective. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving a cut motion highlighted the non-filling up of vacancies of high-ranking post in the Police Department. He emphasised the need of toning up the police administration for tackling the rising trend of organised crime and economic offences. Strengthening of forensic unit, provisions of arms and necessary equipment to hill Police Stations, display of number plate on vehicles was some of the suggestions he made. 

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA moving a cut motion highlighted the unfavourable circumstances of the police forces under which they performed their duties. He further pointed out the erosion of trust and confidence of the public towards the police personnel. He wanted the department to take up necessary steps regarding this. The failure of intelligence network and the Vigilance Department was also highlighted by him. .He expressed the need for a retired Judge or a serving Judge with high integrity to be the Commissioner of the State Vigilance Commission. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA moving a cut motion highlighted the pitiable condition of the Home Guards Personnel and stressed the need of streamlining the Home Guard Department. He also shared the common view that only a political dialogue could solve the insurgency problem. 

Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA participating in the discussion observed that the State Vigilance Commission must be strengthened to face the rising trend of corruption in the State. He expressed unhappiness that 96 cases recommended by the State Vigilance Commission for taking action were not implemented by the State Government. He wanted the action- taken report in this regard to be placed in the House. 

Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA highlighted the unwanted behaviour of the police personnel towards the civilian. He further pointed out the various inconveniences created by the non -availability of a Fire Service and the nonfunctional of the Jail at Senapati. He concluded with an appeal to the Chief Minister to look into the problems. 

Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA supporting the cut motion criticised the lack of transparency in the Home Department. He also sought the clarification of the Chief Minister regarding the promotion of SIs to Inspectors. He further highlighted the plight of the Sajiwa Jail inmates and appealed for its improvement. 

Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA supporting the cut motion said that the Police Department was ill equipped. He supported the modernisation process of the Police Department to enable them to serve the villagers in the far-flung areas. 

Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the discussion on the Demands stated that there were no irregularities in the promotion process of SIs to Inspectors. He further clarified that the case of Late Iboyaima Singh was closed since the two culprits were dead. He also informed the House that as part of the police modernisation process, a number of bullet proof jackets and gypsys had been given by the Centre and ‘Digital Trunking System’ would soon be provided to the State Police Department. The plight of the surrenderee, he said, would also be addressed very soon. Regarding the vigilance cases, actions would be taken as recommended, he said. He informed the House that every angle was looked into to solve the law and order problem in the State. He also expressed hope of a positive response from the underground outfits to the call of the Government for an open dialogue. Referring to the recruitment of MR and IRB personnel and streamlining of the administration of Home Guards, necessary steps would be taken, he said. He also informed the House that the surrenderee would be employed in the Home Department. 

S/Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, Nimaichand Luwang, S. Ibohal Singh and Ningthoujam Biren, MLAs sought clarifications. 

            To a query raised by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the killing of Late Iboyaima Singh of Singjamei, the Hon’ble Chief Minister said that after consultation with legal experts, he would table a report on the next day. He also made some other clarifications. 

            The Hon’ble Chief Minister moved the Demands for passing. 

            All cut motions were withdrawn and Demand No. 7- Police, Demand No. 24- Vigilance Department, Demand No. 31- Fire Protection and Control, Demand No. 32- Jails, Demand No. 33- Home Guards and Demand No. 34- Rehabilitation were unanimously passed by the House.  

            The Hon`ble Speaker adjourned the House at 6.30 pm.  till 11.00 am. of Wednesday, the 23rd  July, 2003.