IT News
Imphal, Aug 7:
Opposition MLAs K. Meghachandra and Surjakumar Okram grilled the government over alleged irregularities in the payment of over Rs. 27 crores to Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in 2021 just prior to the state assembly election.
During the question hour in today’s assembly, Congress MLA K. Meghachandra revealed that Rs. 27.38 crore had been distributed in two installments via cheques in 2021 to militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. He pointed out discrepancies in the payment process, emphasizing that the stipend money should be transferred directly to the militants’ accounts, which are linked to their biometric data. He alleged that these payments, made just before the state assembly elections, violated the model code of conduct, a matter currently under investigation by the Election Commission.
K Meghachandra criticized the lack of transparency and called for accountability, questioning if money is being paid again to SoO militants through the Manipur Police Housing Corporation.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, also the Home Department minister, refuted allegations of violations, explaining that the payments were made via cheques because the areas in question are unbanked and many recipients do not have bank accounts. “Similar to how we pay money for NREGA, here also we paid by cheques given this problem. Since 2021, no money has been paid to SoO militants,” stated Singh.
Congress MLA Surjakumar Okram again raised concerns over the irregular payment of Rs. 27 crore to militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, he pointed out that these payments were not in line with the established guidelines.
“In February 2023, the department was instructed to ensure that the joint monitoring cell meets and links biometric data with accounts,” he said. “The department claimed this had been done, but the CAG report deems this reply unacceptable. The department did not perform their duties properly, and someone should be held accountable.”
Surjakumar Okram also highlighted the fluctuating number of militants and questioned how much money had been allocated to these cadres annually since the signing of the SoO agreement.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh responded, stating, “We have attempted to link biometric data. But, we have faced problems given the issue that these are unbanked areas. Since 2022, no money was sent. We have been in disagreement with them on this matter. The fluctuation in numbers is due to splits within the underground groups.”
Further, Surjakumar Okram has pointed out discrepancies in the reports, stating, “According to the CAG report, the total number of militants is 2,181, but another report mentions 2,167. How many times has the joint monitoring cell met?”
CM Biren Singh concluded by saying he would address this matter at a later time.
