IMPHAL, July 9: Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar Singh had to adjourn the House for 10 minutes during its ongoing 11th Session today after one of the ruling MLAs named an opposition MLA repeatedly over the death of a student during a protest staged yesterday demanding withdrawal of Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 and its replacement by another stronger bill.
Opposition MLAs Dr I Ibohalbi Singh and Th Shyamkumar Singh moved a calling attention motion in the House while discussing the ongoing agitation launched by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), withdrawal of Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 and implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the state.
The calling attention motion was raised by the two MLAs on `to call the attention of Deputy Chief Minister on the death of a student in the tussle between the student agitators and police personnel and subsequent imposition of curfew`™.
Along with admitting the motion by the House, the Speaker gave approval for discussion on motion raised by the MLAs.
While the two MLAs were deliberating on the motion, MLA N Biren from the side of the ruling government intervened and appealed to the Speaker to make the motion as `short duration discussion`™ stating that the death of the student is a serious issue concerning the state.
Following his intervention, the Speaker converted the motion into `short duration discussion`™ after taking consent of the House Members.
Taking part in the discussion, MLA Dr I Ibohalbi Singh reiterated that the House had adopted three resolutions regarding ILPS implementation in the state.
He pointed out that the bill passed by the House does not include the six points recommended by the All Political Party Committee on ILP.
As such, the bill should be withdrawn taking into account of the wishes of the people. The public are in tension following the death of the student. It will be a wise step to convene a special session in the House to discuss the matter, he said.
MLA Th Shyamkumar said that he had pleaded the House to put the bill under a Select Committee of the House before it get passed but the bill was passed without thorough discussion.
Appealing the House to enact a fresh bill in place of the earlier one, he said that police personnel lack training when it comes to controlling student agitators.
He also said that curfew is the solution to diffuse outcry of the public over the demand for ILPS implementation in the state.
MLA L Ibomcha contended that the bill was framed by three Officers whom he does not want to name in the House.
He said that the present public outrage over the ILPS implementation should not be taken lightly by the House.
MLA N Biren while mourning the death of the student appealed for an enquiry into the incident.
During the discussion held under Rule No 71 of Rule of procedure and Conduct of Business, MLA Ng Bijoy referred to the statements made by MLA Th Shyamkumar during a press conference held yesterday, which was published in some local dailies.
MLA Bijoy by holding Xerox copies of the statements made by the MLA in his hands, which was published in four local dailies repeatedly named the MLA in the House.
Immediately MLA Shyamkumar himself, Dr I ibohalbi Singh and Samuel Rison intervened and appealed to the House to stop the comment of MLA Bijoy.
They claimed that there was nothing wrong in the statement made by MLA Shyamkumar, which was published in local dailies.
As the Speaker refused to accept their plea, the three opposition MLAs began shouting in condemnation of the comment made by MLA Biren, creating brawl in the House.
Following the chaotic situation, the Speaker adjourned the House for ten minutes.
Ruling MLA RK Anand, Dr Kh Ratankumar, Y Irabot Singh and K Meghachandra Singh also took part in the heated discussion.