Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03:
Governor Dr SS Sidhu's address to the first sitting of the 9th State Assembly Session on March 16 came under sharp criticism from former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, who is also the leader of the Opposition in the present Assembly.
"Ambiguous and devoid of clear cut policy of the Government" was how the opposition leader construed Dr Sidhu's address on the opening day of the scond sitting of the 9th Assembly session today.
Joining the deliberations on the Governor's address, he opined that the spineless address made no mention of ways and means to cleanse various departments from the deeply ingrained corrupt practices.
Alleging that most departments had been converted into 'family departments' with corruption touching an unprecedented level, the NCP leader said that Dr Sidhu should have advocated measures to at least reduce malpractices in many of the departments.
He also drew the attention of the Chief Minister to the ambiguity of the Governor's speech and added that the SPF coalition should work with sincerity and commitment to which the Opposition will willingly extend maximum cooperation for the betterment of the State and its citizens.
Rejecting Radhabinod Koijam's assertions, ruling coalition MLAs Dr Kh Loken and N Mangi, however applauded the Governor's address saying it was a 'good' statement.
While most MLAs in the Opposition rank opined that Dr Sidhu's comments regarding insurgency issue was limited to 'doors kept wide open' percolated with the tried and tested 'please all' formula, they took grim note of the fact that no concrete initiative had been made by the Government to find an amicable solution.
They castigated the Government for the failure to influence the frontal organisations of armed outfits and NGOs to pave the way for holding constructive dialogues.
In his comment, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC's RK Anand said the Government's posture of readiness to hold political dialogues with UG groups is being repeatedly negated by frequent instances of surrendered UG activists executed in controversy-marred operation of both the State and Central security forces.
In case such incidents persist all effort to find a positive and lasting solution would be a futile exercise as no underground group would have faith upon the State Government's commitment in the matter, RK Anand expressed.
The Opposition MLAs unanimous to the point that all contradictory steps should be redressed before aspiring to end the niggling insurgency problem also recommended certain amendments in the Governor's address.
The discussion would continue in tomorrow's session.