Imphal, July 10: The Manipur State Assembly has unanimously passed a private member resolution for preservation of the plot at Le-Chatalet at Shillong occupied by Manipur before it merged with the Indian Union.

The motion was moved by MLA O Joy Singh.

During the private member resolution motion O Joy quoted Article IV of the 1949 Merger Agreement that clearly states the occupation of the La-Chatalet plot by Manipur before the outbreak of World War II.

Contending further, the MPP leader said that after merger of Manipur the said plot was leased to Inspector General of Civil Hospital and Prison, Assam at Rs 250 per month during the World War II.

Recounting history, the veteran politician stated that Accountant General occupied the plot in 1952, used as store and records room in 1972 and served as regional training centre during the late 80s.To give strengthen of the State Govt in pursuing the matter with the Central Govt, Joy emphasized on adopting the resolution by the House members.

In his reply, Revenue Minister E Biramani said that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) intimated to the State Govt in March 22, 1955 for handing over the preparation and maintenance of the structure to the CPWD against earlier practice of State PWD.

Even then State Revenue Department apprised the MHA in 1985 that the plot belongs to Manipur besides a reminder on August 21 two years later as the Central Govt did not reply to the first missive.

Illustrating further, Biramani said subsequent message to Union Home Minister also failed to evoke any response and urged the MLA to withdraw the motion assuring that SPF Govt would take up the matter with MHA officials and Comptroller and Auditor general of India.

Persisting on Joy's contention, MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang asserted that as the highest democratic institution unanimous decision of the House on the issue is indispensable to arm the State Govt in pursuing the matter with central authorities.

Following the Chief Minister's intervention that SPF Government do not have any qualm on claiming the Shillong plot, speaker TN Haokip suggested improvisation of words in the motion before passing it as a resolution.

BD Behring also moved a private member resolution to enact Building by-law for earthquake resistant construction in view of Manipur lying within Zone V of the earthquake sensitive area.

The CM replied that Imphal Municipal Building By-law already exists since 1969 adding that the By-law only requires some amendment.