Truce aftershock quakes both rivals

IMPHAL, January 8: The recent Delhi trips of Chief minister Nipamacha and his team, and various Opposition stalwarts are starting to have repercussions. On the one hand, a number of Ruling ministers and government officials are reported to be quaking in their boots after the chief minister gave his consent to the CBI investigations in certain specific cases. On the other hand, there is talk of the Opposition camp splitting because of the decision of the Congress MLAs to join the Samata Party. According to insider sources, following the chief minister agreeing to CBI investigations into the Manipur lotteries scam, and the fake appointments controversy as part of the 12 point action plan submitted to Union home minister LK Advani, there is now deep apprehension among certain Ruling as well as Opposition figures. These figures include a certain Opposition MLA who was the finance minister at the time the lotteries scam broke. It may be mentioned that the CBI will be investigating the allegations of irregularities in conduct of the lotteries scam from 1990 onwards. With regard to the fake appointments controversy pertaining to the education department, it is believed a CBI investigation would reveal the involvement of several ministers and Ruling MLAs. These figures, as well as a number of serving and retired officials of the education department, are now reported to be highly insecure. It is also learnt in this regard that the chief minister has issued strict instructions for the protection of the relevant files and documents. On the other hand, it is reported that the sudden merger of the breakaway Manipur Regional Congress with the Samata Party has left other members of the Opposition Manipur Democratic Front disgruntled. According to the sources, some senior MDF leaders have expressed the opinion that the step taken by the 10-member group without any prior information to the front partners would ultimately affect Opposition unity. In the meantime, reliable sources said there is some fear that the Winter Session of the Assembly, which was adjourned sine die on its very first day On December 1, last, may not be convened within the 45 days limit set by the Speaker. The sources said repairing of the Assembly hall, which was damaged in the violence on December 1, has been delayed because the finance department has not cleared the necessary funds.