IMPHAL, June 18: The proscribed PREPAK (Progressive) today criticized the state Agriculture Minister, Abdul Nasir who said that development works are hindered as militant organizations in the state are indulging in extortion.
In a statement signed by Sunil M, assistant secretary of publicity and propaganda, PREPAK (Pro) said that it is quite encouraging that Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir has warned all the officials of Agriculture Department against wrongdoing with an aim to develop the agriculture sector.
It, however, flatly rejected the recent remarks of the minister when he said development works in the agriculture sector are deterred because of extortion by militants. The outfit alleged huge amount of money is eaten up by ministers and officials and that Nasir should understand it.
Stating that special arrangement with regard to money for revolutionary army was begun in 2005 after focusing on various government departments for the purpose, the outfit asked the minister how much agricultural products were able to generate during the time between 1949 and 2005.
PREPAK (Pro) said it takes the agriculture, a primary sector very seriously, which is playing the important role in the socio- economy development of the state.
It also warned minister Nasir that the outfit will punish him if he is found deceiving the people by threatening the officials of Agriculture Department to follow his diktaks with an object to indulge in corruption.
Clarifying that PREPAK (Pro) has stopped taking financial assistance from Agriculture Department long time back, it said the outfit will not take money from the department for some time too.
The outfit further added that it cannot further tolerate the Power and PHED department which have caused problem to the people and that it will begin a close watch to these departments.