Imphal, March 30 2009: Asserting the pending bills of the contractors and suppliers of the electricity department from December 2007 till date has not been passed by the concerned, the joint action committee (JAC) formed has warned to boycott the forthcoming Parliamentary elections if the bills were not passed at the earliest.

Addressing the press conference, the advisor of the JAC stated that if the government showed indifference towards the problem of the contractors and the suppliers they would further seek the help of legal procedure.

During a press conference at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal Monday, the JAC also warned of a legal action against the concerned if the bills were not passed as soon as possible.

Condemning the very act of bill not being passed, S.Jugindro Singh, secretary of the JAC informed that there was a pending bill of Rs 6.29 crores.

He also condemned the words and statements of BS Chingtham, the chief engineer (CE) and informed the CE had challenged them even to a judicial procedure stating he would not release the bills of the works that were done outside his tenure as the CE.

Terming the statement of the secretary as unfortunate, S Jugindro alleged corruption against the CE stating the CE had collected money from the general public in the name of repairing transformers and even collected money from the government in the name of hiring vehicles and houses but no work being done.

In this regard, the secretary also appealed the concerned authorities, the Chief Minister and the power minister to assist the JAC in passing the pending bill.

Vice-president of the JAC, W.Gopal, informing the contractors and the suppliers had worked for the development of the state for the last 5-10 years, condemned the CE for his harsh words he had used against the 'old contractors and suppliers'.

It is a sign that he is supporting only the new contractors and suppliers, the vice president added and warned that over hundreds of contractors and suppliers would protest against the CE and would even go to the extend of boycotting the Parliamentary elections if the CE did not undertake positive steps regarding the matter.

The contractors and suppliers drew attention of the Chief Minister in this matter and urged him to take immediate action.

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