IMPHAL, May 10 : Nearly two years after Churachandpur erupted in protest against the three Bills passed by the State Assembly to check inflow of non-local people on August 31, 2015, the State Government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills at Churachandpur today.
Accordingly it was agreed that the last rites of the eight bodies still lying in state will be performed by the CCpur JAC on or before May 25.
Chief Secretary O Nabakishore represented the State Government at the meeting held with the CCpur JAC at Churachandpur district today.
Speaking to newsmen at his office chamber today in the evening, Chief Minister N Biren said that just after the BJP led Government was sworn in, settling the Churachandpur issue was on top of the top agenda of the new Government.
The Chief Minister duly acknowledged the positive role played by the MLAs of Churachandpur district, the Chief Secretary, DGP and the civil society organisations of Churachandpur in resolving the issue.
After the 130 days economic blockade imposed by the UNC was called off, following a series of meetings, the full attention of the State Government was turned to Churachandpur, said the Chief Minister.
On the law and order front, the Chief Minister said that the Government is seized of the matter on NH-2 and recalled the two ugly incidents between Changoubung and Kangpokpi district headquarters some time back.
N Biren assured that fitting action will be taken up against anyone who disturb the free flow of goods trucks. To a question, the Chief Minister replied that due legal action will be taken up against anyone imposing bandh and blockade.
Leaders of six civil society organisations including the CCpur JAC, Simte Tribe Council, Mizo People’s Convention, United Zou Organisation, Young Paite Association, Tedim Chin Union appended their signatures on the MoU.
Under Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, AN Jha too signed the MoU as a witness.
The MoU came after a series of dialogue/meeting between the CCpur JAC and the State Government before it was signed today at Churachandpur.
Taking due cognizance of the fact that the Centre has withheld the Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 and kept the other two Bills, namely, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill in abeyance with the rider that ‘In future any course of action will be in consultation with all stakeholders,’ the MoU agreed that in the event of any new Bill which affects the interest of indigenous tribal people, the State government will follow due procedure as laid down in the Constitution of India and relevant rules in consultation with all stakeholders.
The State Government also acknowledged the demand of the JACAATB in the administration of indigenous tribal people of Manipur and to extend all possible help and co-operation to the tripartite talk with SoO groups. It was also agreed that interests of indigenous tribal people of Manipur will be protected.
It was also agreed that the State Government will pay an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh and permanent employment to the next of kin of the dead persons on or before May 25, provide employment to 8 persons disabled in the 2015 incident along with compensation of Rs 2 lakh each on or before May 25.
Another Rs 50,000 each will be given to 48 persons injured in the incident.
The MoU also agreed that the State Government will provide financial assistance for the establishment of a memorial park at Lamka and a memorial hall at Singnat.
The State Government has also acknowledged the demand for the creation of a new district raised by the JACAATB for administrative convenience and it was decided that the matter will be considered by the Cabinet on submission of a report by the District Boundary Commission.
It was also agreed that the State Government will minutely investigate the police firing and the subsequent deaths of civilians and action will be taken up as per the law.
Source: The Sangai Express
