IMPHAL, February 12: The disrespect shown to a Cabinet minister of the State by an officer of the 24 AR at Khudengthabi is akin to disrespecting the National flag; so, the government has directed its officials to send a written note to AR authorities about the matter, stated deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
He was talking to the media after attending the inaugural function of the three-day Umanglai Haraoba (Kanglei) festival at Iboyaima Shumanglila Shanglen today. He further stated that he and the State DGP will not let the matter go unaccounted for.
After the incident, the matter has been discussed at the Chief Minister`™s level and the government considers that the AR personnel in showing disrespect to the Cabinet Minister have only dishonoured the National Flag. In this regard, the Principal Secretary (Home) has been instructed to write to high ranking AR officials to not repeat such incidents in the future, the deputy CM said.
Later, the deputy Chief Minister has instructed top officials of the Assam Rifles to refrain from checking or frisking vehicles which has the national flag posted in front, anywhere in the State. In this regard, the State government will take up the necessary measures.
The deputy Chief Minister also requested State ministers or MLAs to give prior information about their destination with full detailed reports to the State home department for any official tour or other matters, further stating the concerned ministers or MLAs should check the number of vehicles and persons accompanying them in their tours.
The Home department has received reports that some individuals are always trying to follow the escort teams of elected representatives and ministers to take the advantage of the unrestricted passage accorded to them, the deputy CM said, adding the elected persons, therefore, must check the number of people accompanying them in their official tours, to not let these people take advantage. Dishonouring an elected representative, he said, was akin to disrespecting the State of Manipur.
The prevailing law and order situation in the State has made checking or frisking inevitable but it must not cause inconveniences to the public, the deputy CM said.
Veering to the subject about the physical assault of a Hotel manager, reportedly, by security personnel, he said he has discussed the matter with the State DGP and has called for detailed reports of the incident from the DGP who has initiated an investigation on the incident. If any police personnel are found guilty, befitting punishment will be awarded to them, he promised.