Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 17 2010:
"Even as there is much divergence in ideology and other activities of governance, giving up or retention of my Cabinet post will depend on AICC's directive", said FCS Minister Y Erabot.
Speaking to media persons at his residence today, Erabot who has held several ministerial berths after being elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly five times, clarified that he did not work or lobby to change the incumbent Chief Minister.
Yet, like a riddle, he asked the people to analyse what could be the possible political scenario in Manipur in the coming days.
Stating that he was appointed a Minister in the SPF Govt by the AICC, Erabot said that he would abide by the AICC directive.
"If they (AICC) want me to step down, I will do so and if they say nothing I'll remain a Minister", Erabot said.
He exuded that there can be a way out of the socio-political decadence being witnessed in Manipur and a change is very much possible.
Disclosing that he met with AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi twice on February 11 and April 12 at Delhi on the invitation of Rahul Gandhi, Erabot said that lack of sincerity and low morality figured prominently during the talks.
Efforts to instill integrity in order to bring change and development in different fields in addition to boosting border trade were also discussed.
Recalling that he also talked about the plummeting morality of State force with Rahul Gandhi, the FCS Minister asserted that lack of sincerity among ethnic groups, conspiracy among State security forces and their involvement in criminal activities have weaned away public confidence.
"They (police) are not human protectors.
People are frightened on seeing them", Erabot remarked.
Provision of security personnel to individuals without referring to relevant terms and conditions, misuse of security personnel leading to low morality and ultimately involvement in extortion have all been highlighted to the AICC general secretary, Erabot conveyed.
"Recruiting large number of security personnel in the name of law and order while simultaneously maintaining clandestine relation with UG groups would result in unwanted consequences", he cautioned.
Charging that the State Govt has no plan to instill sense of fraternity and harmony among different ethnic groups, the FCS Minister asserted that it needs a thorough administrative reforms to address the problem of ethnic perspectives and resultant tensions prevailing in the hills.
He also emphasised the need to amend Manipur Land Reforms Act in order to benefit underprivileged sections.