State Assembly discusses Nagaland CM's visit in Manipur

Imphal, May 29 (UNI) Cutting across party lines, Manipur Legislative Assembly members today demanded a full discussion on recent visit of Nagaland Chief Minister Rio in the state and his subsequent statements on the issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas.

Congress MLA N Biren while raising the matter during zero hour said the remarks of Mr Rio might affect cordial relations between the states.

Replying to this, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told the house that the Nagaland government did not inform about the visit of Mr Rio. He, however, said he was prepared for a full discussion on the issue.

Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh said he would provide time for discussion on the contoversial issue.

Manipur People's Party members Dr Nimaichand Luwang and O Joy taking part in the discussion opined that any responsible person should not give any statement which may incite violence.

The state assembly had already passed resolutions on several occasions for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.

Meanwhile, O Joy, S Ibohal and Dr Nimaichand Luwang had raised a calling attention motion and demanded appropriate action against Manipur police for alleged torture in police custody. Mr Joy said after a fight at the office of the Manipur Peoples' Party, his wife and three sons were detained by the police. His sons were also tortured and beaten up by hanging them upside down, he alleged.

BJP member M Bhorot has charged the government for failing to trace a Sub-Inspector of police, who has been reportedly missing for last two-and-a-half months.

Replying to this the Chief Minister said massive search operations were conducted in several parts of the state to trace the police officer.

A woman was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and eleven persons were examined to trace the officer, Mr Ibobi Singh said.

UNI NS PC LS DS1512