President approves revocation of PR

Imphal, March 05: The President of India, KR Narayanan, has approved the recommendation of the Union cabinet for the revocation of President's Rule in Manipur to clear the way for the installation of a new popularly elected government in the state according to a reliable source in New Delhi. The cabinet had sought the President's approval this evening, and the President has promptly given his green signal, passing back the matter to the government to complete the necessary formalities for the revocation process, including intimating the state Governor, Ved Marwah, the source said. A Raj Bhavan source however said till late this evening, no intimation has been received from the Centre in the regard. The source however said the same is expected early tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Meanwhile it is learnt a four member cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow. While the Congress(I)'s O Ibobi will be sworn in as chief minister, the other three are, K Govindas of the MSCP, Ph Parijat of the CPI and C Doungel of the NCP. Portfolios, however, have still not been named. Earlier in the day, the Governor of Manipur, Ved Marwah expressed the wish that the next ministry sworn in to lead the state be a small one. He also revealed that efforts are underway to bring various underground outfits of the state to the negotiating table. Talking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club here today, the Governor said the negotiation process has begun on a low note but the pace is likely to pick up once a popular government is installed. The Governor, who did not provide further details, singled out insurgency as the main hindrance to bringing peace and all round development in the state and added the general mood of the public is now firmly against the continuation of any form of violence. According to the Governor this belief will be the biggest asset in the fight against insurgency. At the same time, he continued, adequate emphases need to be given on tightening security and accelerating the implementation of developmental activities in order to find a long lasting solution. Illustrating with an example, he said construction work along NH-39 could not take off inspite of the Centre's eagerness to sanction the required amount as the route is infested with both valley and hill based militants and enough security is not available. He averred that there is no short term remedy to the problems faced by the state. The solution needs a series of long term plans which should be effected with high optimism and perseverance, he said. However, he said, during a span of around nine months the PR administration has been able to achieve a series of accomplishments. Highlighting the achievements the Governor said the first task before him as head of the state was to set the state administration on a firm foot and straightening the financial imbalance. The state machinery was reeling after the JAC sponsored 70 days strike and payment of three months salary to the government employees had posed a big challenge. However, after effecting a number of drastic steps to reducing expenditure and collecting income upto date payment has become a possibility, he said. At the same time, the Central government has approved a package of fiscal and financial reforms and implementation of these measures has already started in a phased manner, the Governor said. The President's Rule administration has also ensured that the essential commodities reach the interiors of the state at reasonable prices and essential services like electricity and water supply are made available consistently, he said. He continued that the PR administration has successfully conducted drives against encroachment. In addition, policy decisions were taken to settle long standing problems like the appointments of doctors and MPSC recommended lecturers and a series of long term projects like the Tipaimukh Project, Imphal Town Sewerage Project etc were signed he said.