The Manipur Legislative Assembly resolved to constitute a 12-member House Committee for the detection of illegal immigrants in Manipur including Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister Letpao Haokip despite objections from Congress MLA and former Speaker Th Lokeshwar.
Members of the committee to be headed by Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai include Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip, CAFPD Minister Sushildro, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar, MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, MLA K Meghachandra, MLA Th Lokeshwar, MLA Abdul Nasir, MLA Leishiyo Keishing, MLA Surjakumar Okram, MLA K Ibomcha and MLA Th Shanti.
Speaker Th Satyabrata announced the names of the committee members on the assembly floor on Wednesday.
Opposition MLA Th Lokeshwar objected to the inclusion of Minister Letpao Haokip in the committee as he is not present in the House and by convention a member’s consent is taken before being made a member of the committee.
He said, as the report has to be submitted in a short period of time and Letpao might have some difficulties being involved in the activities of the committee due to the present crisis.
Despite his objections, Speaker Th Satyabarta called for a decision of the house on the composition of the committee and it was passed by voice vote.
On Tuesday, the House had unanimously resolved to form a House committee aimed at detecting and deporting illegal immigrants.
The Speaker further informed that the committee shall submit its report to the House within three months.
On Tuesday, MLA Leishiyo of Phungyar AC, Ukhrul district, informed the Manipur Legislative Assembly that 10,590 illegal immigrants have been detected in Manipur; however, the actual number could be higher.
Letpao Haokip is one of the signatories among the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs who are demanding ‘Separate Administration’ within Manipur. Moreover, he has abstained from three consecutive assembly sitting after the May 3 last year’s violence.
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