IT News
Imphal, Sept 14:
The People’s Alliance for Peace and Progress Manipur (PAPPM) has issued a press release addressing recent controversies surrounding the Governor of Manipur’s Order No. 2/8(17)/2004-H(A)(Pt) dated 31st May 2023, which concerns the reconstitution of the Unified Headquarters (UHQ). This reconstitution aims to improve coordination among various State and Central Government agencies for enhanced security and counter-insurgency operations in Manipur.
According to PAPPM, recent claims by Khaidem Mani, Chairperson of Taragi Cheisu, have created confusion. Mani’s statements, made during a press conference on 13th September 2024, suggested that the Unified Command remains under the authority of the Chief Minister and that the Chief Minister retains the power to convene meetings. Khaidem Mani’s interpretation, PAPPM argues, misrepresents the Governor’s orders.
In the press release PAPPM asserts that “ In a press meet ‘summoned’ by the failed politician and lawyer on 13th September 2024, using the banner of Taragi Cheisu, Shri. Khaidem Mani asserted, The Unified Command is under the Chief Minister in the eyes of law. Taragi Cheisu has warned authorities that it has no right to keep the people in dark and create confusions.”
Furthermore, the organisation states that “addressing media persons at its Porompat office, Taragi Cheisu Chairperson Khaidem Mani alleged that “despite changes in its Chairmanship, the Unified Command remains under the authority of the Chief Minister as stipulated by law. According to an order dated May 31, 2023 the Chief Minister has the authority to convene meeting of the Unified Command whenever necessary. This clearly indicates that the Chief Minister is still the head of the Unified Command and retains the power to call meetings. Therefore, it is incorrect to create confusions among the public by suggesting that the Chief Minister is unable to fulfil this role”
According to PAPPM, a review of the May 31st Orders reveals that the Chief Minister is not listed among the members of the Combined Headquarters (CHQ). Instead, the orders designate various senior officials, including the Advisor (Security) and the Administrative Secretary (Home) of the Government of Manipur, as key figures within the CHQ. The CHQ is tasked with formulating policies and strategies for counter-insurgency and law and order, roles in which the Chief Minister is not directly involved.
The orders also specify that the CHQ will meet monthly, and as the Chief Minister is not a member, he cannot participate in these regular meetings. Although the orders do allow the Chief Minister to convene meetings when necessary, these are not explicitly related to the CHQ’s policy-making functions.
The Chief Minister has recently submitted a request to the Manipur Governor, demanding reinstatement as Chairperson of the CHQ. PAPPM interprets this as evidence of misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the Chief Minister’s role in the CHQ.
