The House assembled at 11.00 am of Wednesday, the 8th March, 2006 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the Chair. 

MEMBERS PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 1 Minister of State and 41 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS: 

            (a)       Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 950 asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the embankment of river banks. 

            (b)       Hon’ble Minister (Education/S) made a reply to Starred Question No. 951 asked  by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA  regarding the awarding of scholarship to  students of Sainik School, Imphal. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 952 asked by  Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the reservation of SC/ST. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 953 asked by  Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the claim of ex-gratia. 

            (e)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 954 asked by Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA regarding the beneficiaries under Special Employment Generation Scheme. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (Education/S) made a reply to Starred Question No. 955 asked by Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, MLA regarding the  construction of Wakha Model Primary School. 

            (g)       Hon’ble Minister (Sc. & Tech.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 957 asked by Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA regarding the staff of Integrated Rural Energy Planning. 

            (h)       Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 958 asked by Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA regarding the  works taken up by the Department in Konthujam A/C. 

            (i)        Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 959 asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the allocation of fund for storm water drain.           

            Answers to Starred Question No. 956 and Unstarred Question No. 70.were laid on the Table of the House. 

ZERO-HOUR: 

            During Zero-Hour, Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA  quoting a news caption of 8th March edition of “Ireibak” daily drew the attention of the Minister concerned to the unchecked flow of bamboos from Jiribam to Assam. He also drew the attention of the Minister concerned to the report of patients going away from RIMS due to oxygen shortage in the hospital. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA called the attention of Works Minister on the prevailing bad condition of roads in hilly areas of Manipur. He said that the Maram-Purul road which is an important road, was in a bad condition. Informing the House that two persons had died in a motor accident along the road, he drew the attention of the government to improve and upgrade the roads in hill areas in general and Purul in particular on a priority basis. 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Works Minister replying to the calling attention, said that the upgradation of the Maram-Purul road was included in the work programme to be taken up under the NLCPR. The centre would be pursued for speedy release of the fund for the purpose, he added. 

POINT OF ORDER: 

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA proposed for converting the calling attention to be moved by Shri O. Joy Singh into a Short Duration Discussion in view of the gravity of the matter. Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh, MLAs endorsed his view. 

            Hon’ble Speaker turned the Calling Attention into a Short Duration Discussion. 

ELECTION OF COMMITTEES: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the following motion:- 

                        “that in pursuance of Rule 233(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Manipur Legislative Assembly this House do proceed to elect 7 (seven) members each to the following Committees on March 13, 2006:-

                        (i)        Committee on Public Accounts.

                        (ii)       Committee on Estimates.

                        (iii)      Committee on Public Undertakings.”  

SHORT DURATION DISCUSSION: 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA initiated the discussion on the alleged mass rape in Tipaimukh and Thanlon Sub-division of Churachandpur District. Quoting the news report in “Sangai Express” daily of March 6, 2006, he remarked that it was a very unfortunate and delicate issue. Many women organisations condemned the alleged mass rape and the people of the area felt neglected by the State Government as reported in newspapers, he added. Appreciating the government’s step of sending three MLAs to the refugee camp at Mizoram, he stressed the need of ascertaining the veracity of the report in view of the volatile situation of the law and order in the state. To avert communal feud and to safeguard emotional integrity in the present critical juncture, the government should take up prompt remedial measures, he observed.  

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA participating in the discussion highlighted the news item published in the ‘North East Sun’ of March 1, 2006 regarding the alleged mass rape of women by non tribal armed groups operating in Tipaimukh and Thanlon area. He also observed it was a serious issue and the Manipur Government should react speedily. He proposed to institute a judicial enquiry at the earliest. 

(Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 1.03 p.m. till  2.00 p.m. of the day).

            (The afternoon session resumed at 2.05 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the Chair). 

Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the discussion observed that the incident of Tipaimukh and Thanlon subdivision in Churachandpur District might be one of the worst instances of human rights violation and maintained that it was condemnable. Regarding the issue, he charged the Government for failing to settle the matter till today. He also expressed unhappiness over the lack of concern by human right activists in the State. He asked the Government of its concrete steps to settle the issue at the earliest and suggested for proper rehabilitation of the victims presently taking refuge in Mizoram. 

            Shri Nongthombam Biren, MLA participating in the discussion observed that the incident of Tipaimukh in Churachandpur district had affected the reputation of all Members. He drew the attention of Hon’ble Chief Minister to punish the culprits involved in the case and wanted a judicial enquiry in this regard. He expressed desire to the deployment of security forces in the area and appealed to all the sections of the people for peaceful coexistence forgetting the ethnic barrier. 

            Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, MLA participating in the discussion informed the House that following an instruction from the Chief Minister, a team of 3 MLAs including himself and S/Shri K. Ranjit and Vivek Raj Wankhem with Commissioner (Relief) had visited the relief camp in Mizoram and met the 520 refugees of 55 families. They narrated to the team members the atrocious acts of rape , beatings and threats by the UGs and compelled them to flee to Mizoram. He further said that the team appealed to the victims to return to Manipur. He said that they met the Chief Minister of Mizoram and sought from him to extend all possible help to the displaced persons. He further informed the House that a report of the visit had been submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur. He also drew the attention of Chief Minister to grant ex-gratia to the deceased and compensation to the injured victims of mine explosion in the area and to make reimbursement of the expenditure incurred by the Mizoram Government in extending shelter to the refugees. He proposed to initiate a judicial inquiry into the matter. 

            Shri K. Ranjit Singh, MLA a member of the team informed the House that the team met the victims taking shelter in Mizoram and added that the victims were reluctant to return to Manipur due to the fear of threat from the underground outfits. The victims wanted Indian army or any security forces other than the MR or IRB to protect their lives in future, he said. He drew the attention of the Chief Minister for proper rehabilitation of the victims. He also expressed unhappiness on the lack of concern of the NGOs on the issue and appealed them to help in maintaining peace in the State.  

            Shri T.N. Haokip, MLA participating in the discussion observed that the incident was not only shameful and violation of human rights but a crime against humanity also. He termed the incident as unfortunate and wanted an impartial and transparent enquiry on the matter by a competent agency. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the discussion said that the issue needed a close examination. He observed that the incident might be the fallout of the feud between the UNLF and HPC as there were allegations and counter allegations. Regarding the victims being displaced to Mizoram, he said that he had communicated with the Chief Minister of Mizoram to extend all possible help to the victims and assured him to reimburse the expenditure incurred in the management of relief camp. Regarding the incident, he informed the House that so far 10 FIRs had been lodged at Churachandpur and Parbung police stations. He said that he had no intention to neglect the issue as being in the hill areas and assured the House for initiating an appropriate enquiry into the matter. Those found guilty would not be spared but befitting action would be taken up against them, he added.  

            S/Shri BD. Behring, O. Joy Singh, Chaltonlien Amo, L. Ibomcha Singh, C. Doungel, MLAs seeking further clarifications urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister to take some time to chalk out the term of reference of the proposed judicial enquiry as the case was a delicate one. 

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS, 2006-2007: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister  moved Demand No. 7- Police,  Demand No. 10 -  Education, Demand No. 24- Vigilance Department, Demand No. 27- Election, Demand No. 31 - Fire Protection and Control, Demand No. 32- Jails, Demand No. 33- Home Guards and  Demand No. 34- Rehabilitation. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker, clubbed all the eight demands for a joint consideration. 

            Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh, MLA moving cut motions on police department charged that the department failed to enforce discipline to the police personnel and commandos to prevent excesses and violation of human rights. He pointed out the lack of discipline in the commandos and proposed for winding up the police commandos and raising rapid action force from Manipur Rifles. He expressed the desire to organise refresher course to enfuse discipline in the police and wanted to strengthen the Manipur Rifles. He stressed the need for reorganising police administration. Regarding the incident of north AOC where two persons were killed, he wanted the Chief Minister to take up concrete steps and wanted a judicial enquiry on the matter. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA moving cut motion pointed out that the Education Department failed to introduce an educational policy for the students of Manipur to compete with those in other States of India and suggested for a high level discussion in this regard. Regarding the 146 Hindi graduate teachers he drew the attention of the minister concerned for giving appointment. He also stressed the need to boost up morale of the police personnel.  

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA mover of the cut motion while pointing out the deteriorating law and order and the intelligence failure in the State, observed the need for imparting training and refresher course to its officers. He highlighted among other things, the improper conduct by security personnel, the need for a police station for women, a police housing complex in every district, a jail and a court at Moreh town etc. In addition to these, he enquired about the details of the ex-gratia cases in the State.He suggested for framing an education policy of the State.  

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA  moving cut motion suggested for bringing a positive solution in respect of the Hindi graduate teachers recommended by a DPC in 1999 and also expressed desire for a cadre management in respect of MPS officers of the State. Regarding jail, he observed the need for improving the facilities given to the jail inmates and the infrastructure of jails and suggested for a correctional or rehabilitation concept in jail. Further, he stressed the need for opening libraries in higher secondary schools. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, moving cut motion highlighted the failure in implementing effectively the midday meal and SSA scheme and lack of proper infrastructure development for schools. He expressed his desire for amending the Manipur Official Language Act. Regarding Police, he pointed out the ineffectiveness and non-result oriented handling of cases and observed the need for the Police Department to be effective in their functioning.  

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving cut motion said that the police require proper direction and discipline and the present strength ought to be increased in view of the shortage in manpower. A State Level Drug Control Committee is necessary for the police to solve drug related crime, he observed. He also expressed the need to pay attention to the non-functioning of the NCC in the State. A curriculum regarding the police-public relation need to be included in the State Academy of Training’s course, he further suggested. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motion stressed the necessity for recalling the top-ranking officers of the State who were on deputation and for defining properly the duties and functions of the police commandos. Regarding Home Guards, he suggested for an increase in the transport and washing allowances and for payment of 13 months pay in the line of the police. He urged for payment of compensation towards the truck that was burnt down at Lairou. Regarding Education, he stressed the need for filling up the vacant post of the Chairman of COHSEM and for bringing a solution in respect of the 100 Hindi teachers of Aided school and the Hindi graduate teachers recommended by a DPC in 1999. 

            Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Minister (Education) replying to the Demand discussion said that Education Department had been following a proper educational policy but most of the irregularities occurred in the process of implementation. Regarding the appointment of Hindi teachers, he informed that some of the selected candidates had been given appointment and the remaining cases would be examined by the Government. The Government, he said would take up steps to improve libraries in high schools and higher secondary schools. Regarding midday meal schemes, he said that the School Management Committee was the implementing agency and added that all concerned elected members would be informed and consulted for implementation of SSA. He informed that infrastructure development in higher secondary schools, 10 in the valley and 5 in the hill areas, were being taken up and further added that Meetei Mayek and Roman script were introduced in schools simultaneously for which Meetei Mayek training were given to 1500 teachers. NCC, he said would be encouraged considering the achievements of the cadets from the State. He appealed to the cut movers to withdraw and allow the demand to pass. 

            S/Shri O. Joy Singh and L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs sought further clarification.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister-in-charge of (Police, Vigilance Department, Election, Fire Protection & Control, Jails, Home Guards and  Rehabilitation) replying to the demand discussion said that there was shortage of trained commandos and so some of them had to be picked up from IRB and MR personnel and further added that the allowances given to them were very meagre. Insurgency, he said was the root cause of all the law and order problems in the State and expressed regret at the mushrooming of various insurgent outfits in the State. The guilty commandos, he informed would be given punishment according to law. The hill areas, he said were comparatively peaceful as a result of the ongoing peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and the Central Government and further appealed to all the underground outfits to come out for a peaceful dialogue with the Government. Regarding construction of a women police station raised by one of the members, he informed that it was not possible due to the bad financial condition of the state. He further said that there was no scheme to give  compensation for trucks burnt and destroyed during bandhs. Regarding increment of allowances of Home Guards and payment of ex-gratia, he said that the matter would be looked into. He finally appealed to the movers of cut motion to withdraw and allow the demand to pass. 

            At the end of the discussion, all the cut motions were withdrawn and the eight demands, Demand Nos. 7, 10, 24, 27, 31, 32, 33 and 34 were passed by the House. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 7.00 p.m. till 11.00 a.m. of Thursday, the 9th March, 2006.