Imphal, October 05 2010: Unlike in other parts of the country, Ministers and MLAs of the State have been abusing siren and flasher red light which are basically installed in vehicles of VIPs to facilitate their movement.

Defying all prohibition, Ministers and MLAs have been abusing siren and flasher red lights as a sort of decoration pieces to exhibit their status and position.

A highly placed source informed The Sangai Express that VIPs starting from Ministers and MLAs have been abusing siren and red light in defiance of rules in spite of the fact that the list of VIPs and emergency services who can use siren and red light are clearly laid down under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 .

According to a notification issued by Transport Department on May 25, 2007, only the Governor, the Chief Minister, police on hot chase, ambulance and fire brigade are permitted to use siren.

However, in total defiance of this notification, Ministers and MLAs have been blatantly abusing siren after installing them on their vehicles as if they are decorative items.

The same notification further listed only the Governor, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, leader of Opposition, High Court Chief Justice, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Hill Area Committee Chairman, State Planning Board Deputy Chairman and Chief Whip of the Government as the VIPs who can use flasher red light.

On the other hand, another order issued by Transport Department on May 5, 1997 allowed Deputy Speaker, Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, DGP, ADGP, IG, DIG, SP and DCs to use flasher red light.

However, MLAs, ex-MLAs, ADC Chairman, Deputy Chairman and even CEOs of ADCs have been using flasher red lights in defiance all the order and notifications issued by Transport Department.

Even as the Police Department is fully aware of this unlawful activity, they are unable to take up any action as the law-breakers are VIPs occupying seats of power in the State administration.

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