Manipur Cabinet gives nod to dowry prohibition

IMPHAL, April 24: The state Cabinet has given the green signal for constitution of a population commission for the state, and for framing the Manipur Dowry Prohibition Rules 2001. These decision were taken at a meeting of the state Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam this evening at the latter's bungalow. According to reliable sources, the law and order situation, and the financial crisis facing the state were among the main items of discussions during the meeting. Among other things, the Cabinet discussed ways and means to further strengthen the Manipur police and the Manipur Rifles, and endorsed the proposal for creation of a third Indian Reserve Battalion, IRB. It was also agreed to submit the necessary proposals to the Centre in this regard. On the question of payment of compensation for damage to public property caused by the IRB at Jiribam, the sources said the Cabinet has approved it, but decided that the compensation cost should be reviewed by the appropriate authorities. It was also further resolved that the IRB would be used purely for counter insurgency operations in the state. While discussing in detail the financial situation in the state, the Cabinet agreed unanimously on the need for greater efforts to mobilize resources, the sources said, considering the possibility of further delays in payment of salaries and pensions for the months of April and May. A proposal for reduction of retirement age of government employees and another for repeal of the policy of prohibition were deferred without discussion. Today's agenda also included the matter of status of the chairman and members of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, MHRC, but this was also deferred.