A meeting of the Privilege and Ethics Committee of Manipur Legislative Assembly was conducted on Tuesday at around 11 am wherein veteran politician Okram Joy Singh reiterated his demand for action against 10 Kuki-Zo legislators who allegedly sought to break the integrity of Manipur.
Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs including two ministers in the N Biren Singh-led government sought a ‘separate administration’ following the ethnic clash that broke out between the Meiteis and Kukis in May, 2023.
For a third time, O Joy, who is also a former Minister, appeared before the Ethics Committee on Tuesday regarding a petition which he submitted against the 10 MLAs on December 20, 2023.
Speaking to media persons outside the State Legislative Assembly, Joy claimed that Manipur Assembly is the most tolerant assembly in the country, where every legislator can express their views and opinions.
Regarding his petition, Joy said that he doesn’t have any ill-feeling towards any legislators. However, those MLAs who took oath under the Constitution of India should not take the Assembly for granted and must protect its sanctity. The final decision should be taken by the August house of Manipur Legislative Assembly after discussing the submitted complaint report on the floor of the house, he added.
The House will decide the form of action to be taken against 10 Kuki MLAs under rule 92 of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Joy said.
The veteran politician, on the other hand, complained that the Members of Parliament and State Legislatures should maintain standard conduct inside and outside of the House, and their behaviour should be such as to enhance the dignity of the House and its Members.
During the hearing, Ethics Chairman Sapam Nishikanta Singh, Chairman; members RK Imo, MLA, Sagolband A/C; Ashab Uddin, MLA, Jiribam and O Surja Kumar, MLA Khangabok A/C were present.
It should be mentioned that women’s organisation Imagi Meira have been demanding to conduct a meeting of the privilege committee.
