Lok Sabha Debates
Smt. Bijoya Chakraborty Called The Attention Of The Minister Of Home Affairs To ... on 19 August, 2010
> Title: Smt. Bijoya Chakraborty called the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs to the situation arising out of, economic blockade imposed by Naga Organisation on the National Highways Nos. 39 and 53 in Manipur and steps taken by the Government in this regard. MADAM SPEAKER: The House shall now take up Item No. 11, Calling Attention. … (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Gurudas Dasgupta -- not present.
Shrimati Bijoya Chakraborty … (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Let us have the Calling Attention, please. … (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: We will do this in the ‘Zero Hour’.
… (Interruptions)
SHRIMATI BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY (GUWAHATI): Madam, I call the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs to the following matter of urgent public importance and request that he may make a statement thereon:
“The situation arising out of economic blockade imposed by Naga Organisations on the National Highways Nos. 39 and 53 in Manipur and steps taken by the Government in this regard.” THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM): Madam Speaker, the first phase of the economic blockade of National Highways No. 39 started from April 6, 2010 and of NH 53 from April 11, 2010 on the call of United Naga Council (UNC) and other Naga bodies of Manipur protesting against the holding of elections to the six Autonomous District Councils in the State of Manipur. Subsequently, other Naga groups joined the blockade.
As movement along NH 39 was hampered, limited quantities of essential commodities, including petroleum products and food grains, were transported through other routes. Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted 493 quintals of rice from Guwahati by 11 sorties in May 2010. 42.8 metric tonnes of life-saving drugs was airlifted by Logistic Post Cargo and IAF aircraft. 80 kilo litres of POL products were also airlifted between May 21-22, 2010.
Since the Naga bodies had also declared blockade of NH-53, the State Government had initially arranged transportation of essential commodities, with assistance from Government of Mizoram, through the very long and circuitous NH-150, Silchar-Aizwal-Churachandpur-Imphal. The State Government started movement of essential commodities including rice and sugar through NH-53 since May 22, 2010.
The leaders of the Nagaland Students Federation (NSF), after their meeting with the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister, withdrew their agitation and lifted the blockade on June 15, 2010. The Central Government made available additional Companies of Central Paramilitary Forces to the State Governments of Manipur and Nagaland. The blockade was finally lifted on June 18, 2010.
The shortage of essential commodities continued in Manipur due to the decision of the Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council, Manipur that they would not ply trucks/public carriers/oil tankers/buses and any public vehicles on NH-39 passing through the State of Nagaland, unless their pre-conditions were met.
The United Naga Council of Manipur (UNC) sent a memorandum dated July 27, 2010 seeking action on their demands failing which they would resume the blockade with effect from the first week of August, 2010.
Chief Minister, Manipur, organized a round table of talks with representatives of Naga bodies/academicians, etc., for discussing the amendments to the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971. The first round table was held on August 3, 2010 at Imphal and the second on August 7, 2010 at Senapati, in which representatives of the Central Government also participated. The round table talks were, however, not attended by the representatives of the Nagas.
In view of the call for resumption of economic blockade, additional 12 Companies of Central Paramilitary Forces were made available to the State Government of Manipur. In addition, two Companies of CRPF have been made available for escorting to and fro movement of trucks/tankers along NH-39 from Dimapur to Imphal.
The Cabinet Secretary is regularly taking stock of the situation in the meeting of the Committee of Secretaries. An inter-Ministerial team led by the Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs visited Assam and Manipur on July 30 and August 1, 2010 to ensure that adequate arrangements for smooth flow of food grains and petroleum products are put in place. It was decided that trucks would be requisitioned by the State Governments and payments would be made by FCI at the rates fixed by the State Government concerned. The arrangements for transportation of food grains through NH-39 and NH-53 under escort have become operational. Transportation of food grains to Jiribam by Railways has also commenced. Considering that the condition of NH-53 which links Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam is poor, the stretches being single-laned and extremely prone to landslides, Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been directed to take all measures to keep both NH-39 and NH-53 open for traffic so that transportation of essential commodities do not get disrupted. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made an additional provision of Rs. 10 crore for the repairs of NH-53.
From August 4, 2010 till August 17, 2010, 71 tankers of POL, 207 tankers of Diesel, 10 tankers of Kerosene, 7 tankers of ATF, 78 bullets of LPG, 120 trucks of food grains, 14 trucks of medicine and 6 trucks of cement have reached Imphal through NH-39 and CRPF escort. Besides, 32 oil tankers, 20 trucks of food grains and 8 trucks of medicine are standing by near Kohima along NH-39 waiting for stretches affected by landslides and sinking of roads to be cleared.
In view of the improving stock position of POL products, State Government has revoked its earlier order of rationing of POL products and has permitted open sale of petrol and diesel through retail outlets/petrol pumps with effect from August 11, 2010.
All measures are being taken to ensure that essential commodities are available in adequate quantities in all parts of Manipur. The Ministries concerned are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will take necessary steps to maintain adequate stocks of food grains, POL and other essential commodities in Manipur.
श्रीमती विजया चक्रवर्ती(गुवाहटी): मैडम, मैं आपकी आभारी हूं कि आपने इस कालिंग अटेंशन पर मुझे मणिपुर के बारे में बोलने का मौका दिया। माननीय मंत्री जी ने जो स्टेटमेंट यहां पर दिया, मैं उससे सहमत नहीं हूं, क्योंकि आप पीस मील जो अरेंजमेंट्स कर रहे हैं, ये पीस मील अरेंजमेंट्स एक स्टेट को बचा नहीं सकते।
आज मणिपुर की हालत वही है, जो पहले से थी। हम लोग जिस मणिपुर की बात कर रहे हैं, उस मणिपुर की 2000 साल की हिस्ट्री है, जिसमें सोशल कोहेसिवनैस थी, जिसका नृत्य और गीत हर गली में सुनाई देता था, जिसके मिडन की आवाज सिर्फ देश में ही नहीं, बल्कि सारे विश्व में गूंजती थी। आज उस मणिपुर में गोली-बारूद की आवाज आती है, ग्रेनेड का धमाका सुनाई देता है। इन्नोसेंट लोगों की बेबस चीत्कार से आज मणिपुर गूंज रहा है।
मणिपुर की स्थिति ऐसी है कि एक दहशत मणिपुर में छाई हुई है। आपको सुनकर आश्चर्य होगा कि मणिपुर एक दिन के लिए, दो दिन के लिए, एक महीने के लिए बन्द नहीं हुआ, दो महीने के लिए बन्द नहीं हुआ, मणिपुर को पूरे 70 दिन के लिए बन्द किया गया था। जब एक स्टेट70 दिन के लिए बन्द किया जाता है तो उसकी क्या हालत होती है, यह सब लोग अनुमान कर सकते हैं। हम लोग जानते हैं कि एक दिन के लिए देश में बन्द होता है तो जन-जीवन पर उसका कैसा असर पड़ता है। जब एक स्टेट बाहर से बन्द किया गया, नेशनल हाईवे नं. 39 मणिपुर की लाइफलाइन है, असम से नागालैंड होकर यह मणिपुर जाता है। यह नेशनल हाईवे नागालैंड के हिस्से में बन्द किया गया था। नेशनल हाईवे नं. 53 भी बन्द किया गया था। इसके कारण अभी मणिपुर में सारे सामान की, एसेंशियल कमोडिटीज़ की कमी होती जा रही थी। सबसे बड़ी बात है कि यह बन्द ऑल नागा स्टूडेंट्स एसोसिएशन ऑफ मणिपुर और यूनाइटिड नागा कौंसिल ने किया था, इन लोगों ने ब्लॉक किया था,11 अप्रैल से जून तक बन्द किया था। आज मंत्री जी ने जो क्लेम किया कि यह बन्द उठा दिया, मंत्री जी यह बन्द अभी खत्म नहीं हुआ। दोबारा 20 दिन के लिए अगस्त में बन्द किया गया और बन्द करने के लिए दोबारा नागा ग्रुप्स ने अभी धमकी दी है।
मैं आपके माध्यम से ऑनरेबिल होम मिनिस्टर से यह जानना चाहती हूं कि ऑनरेबिल होम मिनिस्टर को यह जानकारी है कि नहीं, I would like to know whether the Government has the control over the hill districts of Manipur where lots of extremist groups operate and have got the control over the entire Manipur both inside and outside. Moreover, as the hon. Minister has claimed, there is no railway connectivity in Manipur. So, this is a great hardship for the people of Manipur. ये दो नेशनल हाईवे, नेशनल हाईवे नं.39 और नेशनल हाईवे नं. 53 बन्द करने का मतलब है कि एक सारा प्रदेश ही बन्द हो गया। यहां पर एक ट्रक का चलना बन्द, यहां पर एक छोटी गाड़ी का चलना बन्द और एम्बुलेंस भी वहां से जाने नहीं दी गई। यह इकोनोमिक ब्लोकेड1-2 दिन के लिए ही मैंने नहीं बताया, यह 70 दिन के लिए बन्द किया गया।
यह प्रदेश भी भारत का एक अंग है। जो प्रदेश पूरे ढाई महीने के लिए बन्द किया गया था, This has given a serious blow to the day-to-day economic life of the people of Manipur. Transportation of essential commodities of daily livelihood and petroleum products like petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, medicine and other essential commodities which are transported by hundreds of trucks and all the passenger bus services have been completely blocked. आज वहां लोगों की हालत ऐसी है कि लोगों को वहां एसेंशियल कमोडिटीज़ इन्क्लूडिंग ड्रग्स 50 परसेंट से ज्यादा पैसा देकर खरीदनी पड़ रही हैं। मणिपुर में कोई पी.डी.एस. सिस्टम नहीं है, इसलिए कालाबाजार वहां पर छाया हुआ है। मणिपुर में पैट्रोल की कीमत अभी 400 से600 रुपये, डीजल की कीमत 300 से400 रुपये और गैस सिलेण्डर की कीमत800 से एक हजार रुपये तक पहुंच गई है। वहां पर अभी भी कोई लाइफ सेविंग ड्रग्स नहीं हैं, बिजली नहीं है, इसलिए हॉस्पिटल्स बन्द हैं और इसलिए वहां पर कोई ऑपरेशन भी नहीं कर सकते। वहां पर किसी सीरियस बीमार को बाहर भी नहीं ले जा सकते, क्योंकि रास्ता बन्द है। वहां पर पुलिस होते हुए और पैरा मिलिट्री फोर्स होते हुए रास्ता खुला हुआ है, यह सदन की जानकारी के लिए मैं बताना चाहती हूं।
मणिपुर में स्कूल कालेज भी4-5 महीने तक बन्द थे। मणिपुर में हत्या, लूटपाट, एक्सटोर्शन, किडनैपिंग कॉमन चीज है। कोई व्यक्ति अगर सुबह घर से निकले, मोर्नींग में घर से निकले तो शाम को जिंदा घर में आयेगा कि नहीं आयेगा, यह पता नहीं। यह भी चिन्ता का विषय है।
… * राज्य सरकार के लोग सरकारी निवास में आराम से बैठकर अपना दायित्व निभाते हैं और लोगों की क्या हालत है, इस ओर कभी ध्यान नहीं देते हैं।
MADAM SPEAKER: That word should be expunged.
श्रीमती विजया चक्रवर्ती: मैडम, मैं यह बात पूछना चाहती हूं कि नेशनल हाइवे किसने बंद किया, किसके कारण बंद हुआ, कौन ग्रुप है, किसने गुंडा कर कलेक्ट किया? सभी ट्रकों से दस से बीस हजार रूपए कलेक्ट किए गए, यह किसने कलेक्ट किया? अगर सरकार की पालिटिकल विल हो, तो वह इसको कंट्रोल कर सकती है, इसे खत्म कर सकती है, लेकिन अभी तक यह खत्म नहीं हुआ है। जो मंत्री जी का स्टेटमेंट है, इस स्टेटमेंट में कुछ भी नहीं है।इंडिपेंडेंट इंडिया में देश के एक हिस्से को सडेनली देश के लिए बंद करने की सेंट्रल गवर्नमेंट परमीशन देती है तो लोग किस पर भरोसा करेंगे?
आज मणिपुर की ऐसी हालत हो गयी है कि वहां दस हजार व्यवसायी मणिपुर से बाहर जाने के लिए मजबूर हो गए। इन लोगों को मजबूर किया गया है। एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट के कारण, दस हजार व्यवसायी जो मणिपुर में अपना कारोबार संभालते थे, वे अब मणिपुर से बाहर आ गए हैं। वहां कई लोगों की हत्याएं की गयीं। बिहार के जो लोग रोजी-रोटी कमाने के लिए मणिपुर जाते थे, उन लोगों की हत्या की गयी।छः दिन पहले मणिपुर के लोगों की फिर हत्या की गयी। मैं पूछना चाहती हूं कि जो व्यवसायी मणिपुर छोड़कर आए हैं ...( व्यवधान) उन लोगों की प्रापर्टी की खरीद किसने की?इस बात की छानबीन करना बहुत जरूरी है।मणिपुर के लोगों की जिस तरह से गाय-भैंसों की जैसे हत्या की गयी, इनका कोई विषय ही नहीं है, सीबीआई ने इसको संज्ञान में नहीं लिया। किसी अपराधी की हत्या करते, तो शायद सीबीआई वहां पहुंच जाती लेकिन निरपराध मणिपुरी लोगों की जब हत्या होती है, तो कोई विषय ही नहीं होता है।
मणिपुर में आर्म्स फोर्सेज स्पेशल एक्ट अभी लागू है। आर्म्स फोर्स की स्पेशल फोर्स वर्ष 1960 से वहां लगी हुयी हैं और वर्ष 1980 तक सारे डिस्ट्रिक्ट में लगी रही। वहां की सिर्फ 25 लाख जनसंख्या है। पैरामिलिट्री फोर्स वहां लगायी गयी। पैरामिलिट्री फोर्स ने सिटीजनशिप राइट और एनकाउंटर के नाम पर लोगों की हत्या, ...( व्यवधान) मारपीट वाला सलूक किया।...( व्यवधान) इसलिए मैं रिक्वैस्ट करना चाहती हूं कि 41 वर्ष तक मणिपुर में जो आर्म्स फोर्सेज स्पेशल एक्ट लागू किया इस एक्ट को अब सरकार को हटाना चाहिए।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : कृपया शांत हो जाइए।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती विजया चक्रवर्ती: सरकार ने मणिपुर के लोगों पर आर्म्स फोर्सेज स्पेशल एक्ट लागू करके जो पाप किया ...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : शांत हो जाइए।अभी कालिंग अटेंशन चल रहा है।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : मुलायम सिंह जी, विघ्न मत डालिए।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : शांत हो जाइए।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती विजया चक्रवर्ती: मैडम, माननीय सुषमा जी ने वहां विजिट किया और दो दिन मणिपुर में रहीं। इन दो दिनों में विभिन्न ग्रुप्स से मिलीं, जिससे उनको सारी जानकारी हो गयी कि मणिपुर की हालत किस हद तक बिगड़ गयी है। मैंने भी वहां विजिट किया था। लोगों के मन मे यह सवाल है कि राज्य सरकार का एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट्स के साथ कोई तालमेल तो नहीं है और कहीं न कहीं चीफ मिनिस्टर से लेकर नीचे मंत्री तक एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट के साथ उनका क्या मेल है? पहले वहां6एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट ग्रुप्स थे, लेकिन मणिपुर में अब42एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट ग्रुप्स हो गए हैं।
महोदया, मैं आपके माध्यम से विनती करती हूं कि मणिपुर में जो आर्म्स फोर्सेज स्पेशल एक्ट है, इसको जल्द से जल्द वहां से हटा दीजिए। मैं एक और मांग करना चाहती हूं कि मणिपुर के लोग टेरीटोरियल इंटीग्रिटी खोना नहीं चाहते हैं।तत्कालीन प्रधानमंत्री जवाहर लाल नेहरू के कारण मणिपुरी लोगों को जो जख्म पहुंचा था, वर्ष1953में बर्मा, आज के म्यंमार देश के प्रधानमंत्री ने भारतवर्ष विजिट किया था, उस समय जवाहर लाल नेहरू जी ने मणिपुर की खूबसूरत कबरी वैली बर्मा को प्रेजेंट की थी। यह जख्म मणिपुर के दिल में आज भी है। मणिपुर की टेरीटोरियल इंटीग्रिटी में हस्तक्षेप करना चाहते हैं तो इसका वहां बुरा असर पड़ेगा। मैं आपके माध्यम से विनती करती हूं कि माननीय होम मिनिस्टर जी इस बात को ध्यान में रखें।
मैडम, मैं तीन बात कहकर अपनी बात समाप्त करूंगी। मणिपुर की शांति जरूरी है, लेकिन शांति बाजार में खरीदने से नहीं मिलती है। शांति के लोगों की साइकी, लोगों का मन और लोगों के विषय को समझना जरूरी है। नेशनल हाइवे 39 को एक्स्ट्रीमिस्ट्स के कवर से मुक्त कीजिए।
नेशनल हाईवे 53 अभी डिलैपिडेटेड कंडीशन में है। वह ऑल्टरनेटिव हाईवे है। उसकी जल्द से जल्द मरम्मत करवाई जाए। मणिपुर तक रेलवे कनैक्टिविटी बढ़ाइए। एक्सट्रीमिस्ट्स ग्रुप किस कारण बढ़ रहे हैं, उन्हें कौन बढ़ावा देता है, कौन पैसा देता है। उन्हें जड़ से निकालने की कोशिश कीजिए। आर्म्ड फोर्सेज़ स्पैशल पावर्स एक्ट मणिपुर से विदड्रा कीजिए। मणिपुर सरकार को तुंत बरखास्त कीजिए, इस मांग के साथ मैं अपनी बात को विराम देती हूं।
MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Basu Deb Acharia, please ask one clarificatory question.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA): Madam, the situation has not improved in the State of Manipur. There had been a blockade for long 68 days. Afterwards, blockade has been imposed in the State on two highways, NH-53 and NH-39. These highways along with NH-150 are the lifelines of Manipur. This imbroglio has been created because of the demand of NSCN (IM) for Nagalim, Greater Nagaland, comprising of four tribal Districts of Manipur – Ukhrool, Senapati, Taminglong and Chandel – and also a small portion of Assam on Assam-Nagaland border, and an unspecified portion of Arunachal Pradesh also. This demand is not realizable, everyone knows that. None of the States would agree to part with a portion of their State. In 2001, 18 Manipuri youths were shot dead for opposing this demand for Nagalim, Greater Nagaland. Because of the 68 day blockade, prices of all essential commodities touched the sky.
अध्यक्ष महोदया: बसुदेव आचार्य जी, आप सवाल पूछिए।
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : I am coming to the question, Madam. It is a very important issue. The situation is very bad there.
MADAM SPEAKER: Please come to the question.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : The price of LPG increased to Rs.1500 per cylinder, kerosene oil Rs.80 per litre, diesel Rs.70, petrol Rs.90, onion Rs.25 per kg, rice Rs.28, egg Rs.6, potato Rs.30 a kg, sugar Rs.45 a kg, urea Rs.700 per bag.
When this blockade continued I met the hon. Home Minister along with our leader who is in charge of Manipur State, and he expressed inability of the Central Government. Why did the Central Government remain a silent spectator for 68 days and fail to persuade NSCN (IM) to lift the blockade?
MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Acharia, please ask your question and take your seat.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA: The Central Government has failed to take proper action to persuade the NSCN (IM) to lift the blockade.
This is the situation in spite of 14 year-long dialogue between the NSCN(IN) and the Government of India.
MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Acharia, please conclude. You have to ask your question for clarification, and then, conclude.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Nothing has been reported. What has happened to that? Neither Parliament has been reported nor people were informed.
MADAM SPEAKER: Please do that.
… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record. Please take your seat.
(Interruptions) …* अध्यक्ष महोदया : शैलेन्द्र कुमार जी, अब आप बोलना शुरू कीजिए।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री शैलेन्द्र कुमार(कौशाम्बी): माननीय अध्यक्ष जी, आपने मुझे कालिंग अटैंशन पर बोलने का समय दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपका आभारी हूं। ...( व्यवधान) दादा, आप बैठ जाइये। आपका कुछ भी रिकार्ड में नहीं जा रहा है। ...( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Acharia, your speech is not going on record.
(Interruptions) …* अध्यक्ष महोदया : बसुदेव आचार्य जी, अब आपबैठ जाइये।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Only what Shri Shailendra Kumar is saying, would go in the record.
(Interruptions) …* अध्यक्ष महोदया : बसुदेव जी, आप ऐसा मत कीजिए। आप इतने वरिष्ठ नेता हैं, सीनियरनेता हैं। आप बैठ जाइये।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) … * MADAM SPEAKER: Shri Acharia, you are exceeding your time limit. You are giving a very long speech. You know that in Calling Attention debate, you just have to ask a question. Please ask a question.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : I am asking the question.
MADAM SPEAKER: Only question would go on record.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA: Yes, Madam. I am only asking the question. I would like to know from the Government this. There are two National Highways – Rs.10 crore is quite insufficient. These are single-lane National Highways. … (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : बसुदेव जी, आप क्या कर रहे हैं? आप खुद सोचिए कि आप क्या कर रहे हैं? आप केवल प्रश्न पूछिये।
…( व्यवधान)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA: I would like to know how much funds would be provided by the Government for widening and strengthening of these Highways. A number of trucks were damaged during Bandh by the agitators.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. Don’t just go on. What is this? Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* MADAM SPEAKER: You are just not asking the question. Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* अध्यक्ष महोदया : बसुदेव जी, अब आप अपना स्थान ग्रहण कर लीजिए।
आप बैठ जाइये। शैलेन्द्र कुमार जी, अब आप बोलिये।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री शैलेन्द्र कुमार : माननीय अध्यक्ष जी, आपने मुझे ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव पर बोलने का अवसर दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपका आभारी हूं। चूंकि सारी बातें आ गयी हैं, इसलिए मैं माननीय गृह मंत्री जी से केवल प्रश्न पूंगा। यह आंदोलन11अप्रैल से शुरू हुआ है। उनके नागा नेता टी. मुइवा हैं। माननीय मुख्य मंत्री जी ने कहा कि वे अपने गृह गांव नहीं जा सकते। यह आंदोलन वहां से शुरू हुआ है। माणिपुर की आबादी25लाख है। वहां की जनता इतना झेल चुकी है कि उन्हें आवश्यक वस्तुं भी मुहैया नहीं हो पा रही हैं। यहां तक कि उन्हें दवाइयां भी नहीं मिल पा रही हैं। वहां अफरा-तफरी की स्थिति है। इसी सदन के एक सम्मानित सदस्य रहे मन्नी चेन्ना मई (पूर्व सांसद) ने हमें टेलीफोन पर बताया कि वहां स्थिति बहुत बदतर है। नागा की 32जातियां हैं, जिनमें से आधी जातियां नागालैंड में बसती हैं और आधे से ज्यादा मणिपुर, अरुणाचल, असम और उत्तरी म्यंमार में हैं। वहां की स्थिति बहुत खराब होती जा रही है। धीरे-धीरे वहां आंदोलन बढ़ रहा है। माननीय मुख्यमंत्री जी की अध्यक्षता में एक गोलमेज वार्ता वहां के आंदोलनकारी नेताओं के बीच मे हुई। उसके बाद विश्वस्त सूत्रों से यह भी पता चला कि माननीय प्रधान मंत्री और गृह मंत्री जी की अध्यक्षता में भी वहां के आंदोलित नागा नेताओं के साथ कुछ वार्ता हुई है, लेकिन अभी तक यह स्पष्ट नहीं हो पाया कि उस वार्ता में उनकी क्या मांग थी और आपने उनकी क्या मांग मानी? क्या गृह मंत्री जी मौके पर जाकर वहां के नागरिकों की स्थिति को देखते हुए उनसे वार्ता करेंगे या नागालैंड के आंदोलित नेताओं के साथ बैठकर कोई कारगर कदम उठायेंगे?वहां पर जन-मानससामान्य तरीके से जी सके इसके लिए क्या कोई प्रयास सरकार की तरफ से हो रहा है? इन्हीं बातों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA (INNER MANIPUR): Madam Speaker, thank you.
I belong to the State of Manipur and I would like to seek the indulgence of the House before I put my very pointed question.
The situation in Manipur, as has been given in the statement of the hon. Minister is up-to-date now; facts had already been mentioned. But I would like to point out the fact that the 69-day long blockade and the 52-day blockade in 2005, and the present blockade of 20 days from 4th August, have hampered much. Who suffered due to these? It is the common men. The women were trying very hard to keep their kitchens burning. Of course, the prices escalated there. For all these, whatever the Government of India and whatever the Home Ministry had done so far, have already been stated by the hon. Home Minister.
Here, I would like to suggest this. The blockades have become a phenomenon in that part of the country, we have got only two lifelines; and even though these lifelines are being maintained, there are huge landslides; the mountainous terrains are very difficult. So, I suggest that the Union Government should advice the State Government to keep enough stock, at least for a period of three months, to mitigate such a situation, whenever there are blockades. We cannot stop these blockades. As has been rightly pointed out, the number of incidents has gone up; the number is not ten now. It will be in 40s now. All sorts of problems are there. So, the Government of India in consultation with the Government of Manipur should think in terms of having a buffer-stock for at least a period of three months so that the situation can be mitigated. This is one question which I would like to put.
National Highway 53 is the alternative; this has to be improved on a war-footing. National Highway 39 should be given National Highway Protection Force so that all these highways can be protected from all these blockades and bandhs. Till then, whatever the paramilitary forces and others are now being used, it is okay; it is now going on and it could be continued. At the same time, our only National Railway Project from Jiribam to Tupul to Imphal is yet to be completed. It was targeted to be completed by 2012, but this has been postponed to 2014. I suggest that this should be speeded up and completed very soon. Everybody knows the sufferings of the people and I do not want to repeat them here.
The democratic Government is working there; hon. Chief Minister of Manipur has been working with his back on the wall to face the situation. What the hon. lady Member said about imposition of the President’s Rule, it is not a fit case for imposition of President’s Rule. It is because we have got a stable Government; the hon. Chief Minister is continuing for the last almost eight years with full command. So, that demand is not at all acceptable.
With these few words, I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Home Minister and the Government of India so that arrangements are made so as not to repeat such difficult days in future. Thank you very much.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Madam Speaker, I am grateful to the hon. Members for calling the attention of the Government to the situation in Manipur and for giving me an opportunity to state the facts.
Madam, the problem in Manipur is an old problem. There are certain districts of Manipur which are predominantly of Naga tribes. There has been a very old dispute between the Nagas on the one hand and the Meiteis on the other; and there are other tribes too. This has spilled over into the political arena. This has also affected economic activity in Manipur. We have two problems in Manipur that have to be addressed – one is we must find out a solution to the demands made by the Nagas; and the second is, while efforts are being made to find a political solution, there must be no violence in Manipur or in any other part of the North-East.
Madam, Shri Basudeb Achaira has mentioned about what happened in 2001. On a Statement made in 2001, violence broke out and many people were killed. The Statement had to be retracted within 24 or 48 hours. It is very important that we not say or do anything which will trigger violence once again. So, the Government’s first goal is to ensure that there is no violence in Manipur or in any other part of the North-East. In fact, if you will pardon me, let me say that the level of violence in Manipur in 2010 is the lowest in almost a decade. Let me just give you one number. In 2008, 466 civilians were killed, for one reason or another, in Manipur. In 2009, this number came down to 264 and in 2010, in the first seven months, up to July 31, the number is only 47. It is almost a 90 per cent decline in violence resulting in civilian killings in the last two years. Likewise, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland are by and large free from killings of civilians. Violence levels are very low. There is some violence in Assam and some violence in Manipur. But our first goal, on which I think all hon. Members will agree is to ensure that there is no violence, there are no killings and civilians are not killed. So, our approach has been to ensure that there is no violence and no killings.
Having created the condition where there is no violence, we want to find a political solution to the question that has been troubling Manipur for many years. Let me make it very clear that the Government of India’s policy, successive Governments policy is that there is no question of, in any way, affecting the integrity of the State of Manipur. The area that is under Manipur will remain in Manipur. There is no question of affecting the territorial integrity of Manipur. However, the demands made by the Nagas, whether articulated by the NSCN-IM or by other Naga Groups must be addressed. The present blockade and the earlier one in April-May arose out of elections to the Autonomous Hill Districts Council of Manipur. The NSCN-IM and other Naga Groups wanted a boycott of those elections. In fact, there have been even one or two statements, subsequently disowned by the Groups but the statements were made threatening candidates and warning them that if they contested elections they would not be spared. Nevertheless, elections took place. The participation in the elections ranges from modest to very good. Elections have taken place but some of the Naga Groups do not recognise these elections and they want these election results to be rescinded. On the other hand, the candidates who have been elected have assumed Office, some in Imphal and some in their District Councils and they want to get on with the business of administering those Councils.
We have persuaded the Government of Manipur to hold talks with the Naga Groups. I have said in my statement, the Government of Manipur held two Round Tables. Civil society organisations, academicians, political parties and others participated in these two Round Tables but the Naga Groups boycotted these two Round Tables. The Government of India’s representative also attended the Round Tables and we have made efforts, both through formal channels and through informal channels to try to persuade the Naga Groups to come to the talks; to tell us what their problems with the ADC Act is and whether further changes have to be made. But they have boycotted the meetings.
Now we are making another effort to ask them to come to the talks. But they say that they will not come to the talks if the Government of Manipur invites them for talks. They want the Government of India to invite them for talks. Please understand the Government of India cannot overreach the Government of Manipur and invite them for talks. The Government of Manipur has to be present in the talks. These are elections to the Autonomous Districts Council. But efforts are being made to bring the Naga Groups to the Table so that we can talk out our differences.
The larger question is how do we find the final solution to the demands of the Nagas. Every State in India is a plural State and I think we cannot wish away the pluralism. There are Nagas in Manipur. There are Nagas in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It is inconceivable that we can break up the States. Therefore, we will have to find solutions within the Constitution that will assure the Nagas’ dignity, honour, equal rights and equal place even while preserving the integrity of the States. This is a difficult problem; a problem which successive Governments have grappled with, the problem that we are trying to grapple with. I think we need patience. We need to be sensitive. We need to be patient before we find the solution.
NH-39 and NH-53 are open. If there is any obstruction today it is because of the landslide and the torrential rains in that area. Otherwise, as I have given in my Statement, both routes are open. NH-39 is the better, shorter and more useful route and that is why we have strictly instructed that all trucks carrying food grains and all trucks carrying petroleum products shall use NH-39. NH-53 is a National Highway in a much poorer condition. It is a longer and more circuitous route yet we want to strengthen NH-53. I am happy to inform the House, after consultation with the Government of Manipur, the Ministry of Road Transport and the Border Roads Organisation, we have worked out a comprehensive plan to upgrade 220 odd kms. of NH-53. That is going to the Cabinet Committee on Security in the next few days. NH-39 has been affected now only because of the collapse of a bridge and some landslides and torrential rain. But the Border Roads Organisation is working round the clock to set it right. These obstacles will come up from time to time depending on the weather but we will set it right and again the trucks will begin to move. We want both NH-39 and NH-53 to be the life-lines for supplies to Manipur. It is not one versus the other. We will ensure that both NH-39 and NH-53 are upgraded and strengthened so that we have two life-lines to Manipur, not one.
A mention was made about AFSPA. It is a very difficult issue. As you know, the Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed amendments to AFSPA but we have to consult everybody, carry everybody with us before the amendments are made.
Madam, as I said, our goal is to ensure that there is no violence and no killings in Manipur. We have substantially succeeded in that and I wish everybody, including me, should not say or do anything which will trigger violence once again. Once there is peace, and there is relative peace today, we will try to bring the rival points of view to the Table. The Government of Manipur has a point of view. The Naga Groups have a point of view. The NSCN-IM has got a much larger goal. We are trying to bring them to the Table, make them talk to each other and resolve these issues. I am confident that at least the problem affecting the Autonomous District Council, the law, the manner in which the elections were conducted, can be resolved if they come face to face.
The larger issue of addressing the Naga demands, as you know we have appointed an interlocutor. Talks are underway between the NSCN-IM and the interlocutor. Halting progress has been made but at least I am happy that while talks are going on there is no violence in Nagaland. In fact, in the year 2010, so far, ‘touch wood’ there has not been a single civilian killed in Nagaland. There has been for the first time zero killings in Nagaland. Talks will take time. We must be patient but I will ensure, as I have said in my statement, no effort will be spared to ensure that supplies reach Manipur. There is, of course, black-marketing. There is high price. We have told the State Government that they must crack down on the black-marketeers and ensure that the Government’s Departments work round the clock to ensure that whatever supplies reach Manipur are distributed fairly and justly at fair prices.
We are doing our best. The situation is difficult and compounded by the weather. But I am sure the situation will improve.
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज (विदिशा): अध्यक्ष महोदया, गृह मंत्री जी ने मणिपुर की स्थिति पर जवाब दिया कि हम यह करना चाहते हैं, हम यह करना चाहते हैं, हम यह भी करना चाहते हैं। मेरा मंत्री जी से केवल एक प्रश्न है कि आपने अब तक क्या किया है? आज ध्यानाकर्षण प्रस्ताव आर्थिक नाकेबंदी के बारे में था। मेरा एक सीधा और सरल सवाल यह है कि 67 दिनों तक मणिपुर में आर्थिक नाकेबंदी रही। एक बार भी गृह मंत्री वहां नहीं गए, एक बार भी गृह राज्य मंत्री वहां नहीं गए, एक बार भी केंद्र सरकार का प्रतिनिधि वहां नहीं गया। मैं गृह मंत्री जी से पूछना चाहती हूं कि अगर इस तरह की आर्थिक नाकेबंदी किसी उत्तर भारत के राज्य में या दक्षिण भारत के राज्य में होती, तो क्या केंद्र सरकार ऐसी उदासीनता दिखाती? क्योंकि मणिपुर सुदूर पूर्वोत्तर का राज्य है, वहां से यहां खबर नहीं आती है। मीडिया उसे नहीं छापता है, क्योंकि उसकी प्राथमिकता में नहीं है, लेकिन आपको मालूम था।67 दिनों तक मणिपुर के लोगों ने कठिनाई भोगी है, उनके पास न खाने का दाना था, न उनके पास पेट्रोल था, न उनके पास चावल था, न उनके पास केरोसीन था। उस समय आपने क्या किया? हम कैसे विश्वास करें? अब आप कह रहे हैं कि हम यह करना चाहते हैं, यह करना चाहते हैं, यह करना चाहते हैं। उन 67 दिनों में केंद्र सरकार ने क्या किया, यह मेरा सीधा सवाल आपसे हैं? आपने मणिपुर के बारे में उदासीनता क्यों दिखाई?
SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY: Madam, I just want to ask one question.
MADAM SPEAKER: Your name is not there. If I give you a chance, then every one will get up. Please sit down. This is Calling Attention.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : सुदीप बंदोपाध्याय जी, कालिंग अटेन्शन में वही बोल सकते हैं, जिनका नाम आता है।
… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: She was given a chance because she is Leader of the Opposition.
SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY : The NSCN(IM) was the major threat to the North-Eastern region. It is good enough and NSCN(IM) used to operate from abroad. It was not like today. When Advaniji was the Home Minister, he had clarified on the floor of the House several times the role and the performance of the NSCN(IM). They used to come to Delhi on several occasions for bilateral discussions. I only want to know whether you held any discussions with the NSCN(IM) sitting in Delhi at the Home Ministry. As you are proposing or the Government is proposing to interact with the Maoists of the country if they give up their arms and violence, has the NSCN(IM) accepted the proposal of Government of India and has it come forward for a round table discussion in the North Block of this country?
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Madam, I do not know why the Leader of the Opposition should charge the Government with inaction and inactivity after I made the detailed statement saying all that have been done to ensure that supplies were rushed to Manipur. She may have a different view but I have explained our approach. This is not a problem that cropped up in the last few weeks or few months. This problem has been there since the States were created. Our goal is to first ensure that there is peace and killings come to an end or substantially come to an end. On that I can claim with pride that the record of this Government as far as North-East is concerned, is far superior to the record of any Government. I have given you numbers. During that entire period when there was a blockade – the dates are given – there was one incident where two people were killed. If we had said or done anything in a provocative manner or neglected them, there would have been more violence and more killings. That did not happen. It is not correct to say that no one visited Manipur… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Let him speak.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Madam, she has asked a question and I am answering. I did not interrupt her. She must show me the courtesy.
MADAM SPEAKER: Let him reply.
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: She has asked the question and I am answering.
The Home Secretary visited Manipur and spent two days there. The GoI representative, who is the interlocutor for the Naga talks, visited and spoke to both the Chief Minister as well as some other groups briefing them about what progress has been made and therefore they should not continue this agitation and blockade. I have received delegations from Manipur including Naga delegations in Delhi. The hon. Prime Minister met the Naga delegation. It is at our instance that they agreed to life the blockade. During the blockade period the charge is that supplies were not made. That is not correct. During the blockade period, supplies were made. We did everything possible to ensure that supplies were made… (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : That is not correct… (Interruptions)
SHRI P. CHIDAMBARAM: Therefore, it is not correct to say that the Government has not been sensitive or active in the matter. As I said to the question, we are holding talks with the NSC(IN). We have appointed an interlocutor. Talks are going on. The Media has reported the talks. Talks are going on in Delhi. Shri Muivah has met the hon. Prime Minister. He has met me twice. Talks are going on. The talks are on the larger issue which the Nagas are demanding. One part of the issue is the Nagas in Manipur. Since we are discussing a Calling Attention on Manipur, I will confine myself to the issue of the Nagas in Manipur. The larger issue of the Naga demands is also all there. That is being talked about. We will not spare any effort to ensure that adequate supplies are made to Manipur through NH-39 and through NH-53 and if necessary, as I said, through air lifting. But one of the two goals is that there must be no violence in Manipur and killings must come to an end and nothing must be said or done to trigger killings once again and while there is peace we will make every effort to ensure that supplies are made as well as Government of Manipur and the Naga groups meet to sort out their problems.