IMPHAL, February 25: The second day of the seventh session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly saw the House adopt a resolution condemning the crimes and assaults committed on the people of the North East Region in the national capital in recent times.
Following discussion on the issue, the members of the house resolved, “The House resolves to condemn the incidents of brutal and heinous attacks on the people from the NorthEast which led to the death of Nido Tania from Arunachal Pradesh in new Delhi on the spur of attacks on regional lines against the people from Manipur and the North-East Region and to urge the Government of India to enact a strong and stringent law to contain such incidents in the future.”
Members of the House unanimously passed the resolution as the last business of the morning session of the day.
The resolution was taken following a Calling Attention Motion moved by Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar Singh and Sagolband MLA, RK Imo Singh.
Meanwhile, following appeal from PHED minister I Hemochandra, the Speaker allowed the motion to be converted into a “Short Duration Discussion.”
The two opposition MLAs further elaborated on the several cases of assault and crimes committed on people of the NE at the national capital during the month of January and February of this year.
The ensuing discussion was participated by opposition leader Dr I Ibohalbi Singh; PHED minister I Hemochandra Singh; Keishamthong MLA L Ibomcha Singh; Wangjing Tentha MLA, P Brojen Singh; Naoriya Pakhanglakpa MLA, RK Anand; Yaishkul MLA, E Chand Singh; Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam Singh; Khurai MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh.
Works minister Dr Kh Ratan; Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing also took part in the discussion.
The members of the House contended that in order to ensure that incidents like calling the people of the NER including Manipur as “jungle” or “Nepalis”, the centre should introduce the study of the region including its geography in the syllabus of the elementary schools.
The members expressed shock towards the outlook of the mainland Indians for viewing the girls from the region as “flower buds” and at the boys as “white mice.”
Members also observed the need to open 24 hours helpline in Delhi and other major cities of the country, flying squads, deputation of police officers from Manipur, and the need to pass an Anti-racial Act in the Parliament.
The members of the House also expressed upon the need to allow them to carry their licence guns in the national capital, citing that they are afraid of going for their morning walks there.
People from the region staying in Delhi are unable to venture out after the sunsets due to fear, they observed.
The members also expressed that a road in Delhi should be named after a famous Manipuri personality so that the people are aware of Manipur.
Participating in the discussion, leader of the House and state chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh condemned the recent spates of crimes against people of the region in the national capital.
The House should take a resolution on the issue and send it to the centre, he observed.
He further said that the Prime Minister has convened a meeting with the state Governors on the issue.
Every citizen of the country can stay anywhere in the country, he said.
The leader of the House also observed that the citizens should have the feeling of being secure anywhere in the country.
The government takes the issue seriously and is working out modalities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, he continued.