Ahead of the 5th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Tuesday proposed a one-day session solely dedicated to discussing the ongoing turmoil in Manipur.
The suggestion comes amid escalating violence and unrest in the region, with hopes that a comprehensive discussion in the Assembly could pave the way for peace and normalcy.
President of MPCC, K Meghachandra emphasised the importance of such a session, drawing parallels to past instances where parliamentary sittings during times of conflict, such as Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan wars, played a pivotal role in addressing critical issues.
ALSO READ: Manipur Legislative Assembly goes digital
Meghachandra, who is also an opposition MLA, stated that the Congress party will prioritise addressing the current situation during the Assembly session by minimising the questions related to departmental agendas.
Addressing the media at the Congress Bhawan in Imphal, he outlined the party’s agenda, which includes highlighting the historic Kangla Declaration of January 24 by Meitei legislators and MPs, as well as addressing demands for ST status.
The opposition also intends to raise concerns regarding the 10 Kuki MLAs advocating for a separate administration, relying on the rules and possibilities, he added.
Acknowledging the suggestions put forth by various CSOs and groups, the president affirmed the Congress party’s commitment to representing public interests by bringing these concerns to the Assembly floor.
ALSO READ: Traffic advisory for 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly sitting
He stressed that the opposition MLAs would utilise all available avenues, such as starred and unstarred questions, calling attention, private member resolutions, and short duration discussions, to seek solutions to the ongoing crisis.
The MPCC further urged the state government and the Speaker to facilitate live telecast of the Assembly session for the benefit of the public.
Additionally, the MPCC also called on all the MLAs and ministers to be present in the purpose full-day Assembly session on the present crisis in Manipur by ways of using all the necessary security arrangements, even to the extent of using helicopters for transportation, to ensure it as a fruitful session.
