Imphal, July 20 2009: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the Assembly that the State Government has provided special specialities including medical care and security at JN Hospital to save the life of Irom Chanu Sharmila, whose fast unto death tp the demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, has entered 8 years now.

Responding to a question raised by Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam during the question hour of the Assembly today, the Chief Minister said every possible efforts have been made not only to prevail over Sharmila to give up her fast and utilise her energy and knowledge for some peaceful purposes in the society, when she began her agitation, but fervent appeals have also been conveyed through her family members.

At the request of the family members to lift the Act from at least some parts of Imphal East district so as to save the life of Sharmila, AFSPA has been lifted from seven Assembly segments of Imphal area after a detailed discussion by the Government.

Even then Sharmila turned down the request of breaking her fast insisting that the Act should be lifted from whole of Manipur, the Chief Minister said, adding that he would welcome suggestions from every members of the House on dissuading Sharmila from continuing her fast.

To another question raised by MLA O Joy, the Chief Minister said ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each have been given to the families of 16 IRB personnel who were killed in the ambush along Tongjei Maril on February 28, 2007 apart from extending special pension under the MS (LP) Rules for 10 personnel while the 5 other would be discussed after implementation of new liberalised rules.

Moreover, Rs 35,000 each have been provided to 10 personnel who were covered under Manipur Police Risk Fund and Rs 5000 each to two other injured personnel in accordance to the existing norms of the Government, the Chief Minister informed the House, adding that connention with the incident, the CO of IRB has been suspended and departmental inquiry against him is going on.

To a question of MLA RK Anand, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who is also in charge of Art and Culture informed that so far there is no policy on Manipuri films.

However, a draft of the film policy has been prepared and it is being discussed in view of huge financial involvement.

In response to another question of MLA Hangkhalian, the Chief Minister informed the House that the DPC for appointment of Assistant Engineers in PHED from among the eligible Section Officers has been conducted through MPSC.

Appointment of the AEs would be carried out in accordance to the reservation policy of the State Govt, the Chief Minister assured.

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