Guwahati
The Manipur Assembly was on Tuesday adjourned sine die without a discussion on the prevailing situation in the State as the Opposition MLAs, led by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, raised a din demanding a 5-day session on the ground that one day was not enough for the discussion.
While all the 10 Kuki MLAs, including eight from the BJP, were absent, the House passed a resolution that all differences should be addressed through dialogue and peaceful means for communal harmony in the state. It also urged the people of Manipur not to pay heed to divisionary elements and to maintain peace.
The five Congress MLAs and one belonging to JD(U) demanded that the session be extended for five days for a thorough discussion on the situation even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh moved the resolution.
“In times like these, words seem insufficient to express the depth of the pain and grief thathas befallen families, communities, and the entire State. This House unanimously resolves to work for the oneness and harmony of all the people of Manipur. The House also resolves that as peace is the priority of the state, this House will strive to resolve all the differences among the people, till complete peace returns to the entire state, through dialogue and Constitutional means,” the resolution stated.
Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh urged the Opposition MLAs to sit down but subsequently adjourned the House sine dine, saying that it was not possible to continue amid a ruckus.
The Assembly Session was convened by the Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey after the Biren Singh government requested her for the second time. Earlier, she had not issued a notification summoning the House, even though the State Cabinet had recommended her to do so on August 21.
Assam Rifles Slaps Defamation Notice Against Politician
In a rare instance, the Assam Rifles has slapped a legal notice against Maheshwar Thounaojam, national secretary of the Republican Party of India (RPI-Athawale) for harming the “reputation of the organisation” and discouraging and demoralising the Central armed police force. The notice said the country’s oldest paramilitary force has been serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and development in various regions, including Manipur.
The force has sought a written and public apology for the “false allegation and defamation” asking him to retract the statement he made at ‘Condolence of Meitei Martyrs’ in Delhi on June 30. The notice quoted Thounaojam as having said in the meet, “The villagers also reported that the Assam Rifles has been helping the Kuki militants in order to burn down the village defence force.” Thounaojam has refused to apologise though.
Meanwhile, intermittent instances of violence continue to be reported. One person was killed and another injured in heavy firing between two groups at Narainsena in Bishnupur district on Tuesday.
