Imphal, March 10: Striking a tough pose and reacting furiously against the bomb attack at the Assembly premises on August 8 by the proscribed PREPAK, Chief Minister O Ibobi today informed the House that the Government may even go to the extent of recommending re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the seven Assembly segments which come under the Imphal Municipality.

The Army Act was lifted from the Imphal Municipality areas after great pressure from the State Government, said the Chief Minister and added that this was achieved despite the fact that though a peace process is on between the Centre and NSCN (IM), the same Act has not been lifted from any part of Nagaland.

If such incidents continue there is no guarantee that the Act would not be re-imposed in the IMC area, said the Chief Minister.

Visibly furious and concerned Chief Minister O Ibobi said that the universal norm in all democracies is to protect and uphold the sanctity of the symbol of democracy, which is the Assembly.

With the House absorbed over the bomb attack, other businesses and issues lined up for the day were adjourned after Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam and MPP MLA O Joy suggested that the House concentrate on the audacious attack.

On the supposedly security lapses on the day, the Chief Minister said that the IG (Intelligence) has been instructed to submit a report on the matter within a week's time.

If any serious lapses are found, the officials concerned would not only be suspended but dismissed from service, the Chief Minister assured the House.

The matter will be investigated thoroughly so that responsibility and accountability are fixed accordingly, said Ibobi.

Even the top responsibility of the police top brass, such as the DGP and IGP will be probed, he added.

Despite all the invitations and feelers sent out to the armed outfits to come to the negotiating table, they (armed groups) have been on a looting, kidnapping, extortion and killing spree, the Chief Minister said and declared that in the face of such a reality, the Government will not keep quiet but take up fitting action.

The Government can no longer tolerate the increasing cases of attacks at the homes of Ministers, MLAs and Govt officials, said the Chief Minister and added that if such a situation continues, a time will come when everyone has to give up his/her post.

Pointing something of an accusing finger at the members of the House, the Chief Minister said that one particular person, who was involved in an abduction for ransom case of Rs 10 lakhs, was arrested.

However the police were urged by some politicians to set him free, said an aggrieved Chief Minister.

Not only this the police are under extreme pressure from some political leaders to set free anyone deemed close to them, claimed Ibobi and urged the Ministers and MLAs not to exert such pressure on the police.

Adequate security measures have been taken up in and around Imphal, claimed the Chief Minister and detailed the roads opened for the public especially near the Assembly complex.

Taking part in the debate, MPP MLA O Joy said that this is the first time that a monument of democracy has come under such an attack.

Opposition members backed Joy's observation.

Comment