Violence-hit Manipur to hold state assembly's Budget session on February 28

 Manipur, which has been witnessing sporadic incidents of ethnic violence since May 3 last year, will hold a Budget session of the state assembly on February 28. The session will begin with an address by state Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

Babie Shirin, India Today, Feb 9, 2024 Imphal :The Manipur government on Friday approved the commencement of the Budget session of the state legislative assembly on February 28. The first day of the Budget session will witness an address by Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

According to state minister Sapam Ranjan, the N Biren Singh-led government, in a Cabinet meeting, approved an increase in the allowance for the state police forces and others stationed in vulnerable areas.

After the approval, the allowance will see an increase of Rs 5,000. Similarly, other state forces located in vulnerable areas will also receive an allowance increment of Rs 3,000 after the Cabinet's approval.

The Cabinet granted the inclusion of personnel of the security forces, including the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), the Indian Army and Assam Rifles who are serving in the state for an ex-gratia compensation in case of injury or death while being on duty.

The Cabinet approved the introduction of the Manipur Name of Places Bill, 2024 in the assembly. It also approved the appointment of the son of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand who laid down his life while being on duty.

The upcoming Budget session comes as Manipur has been witnessing sporadic violence after ethnic clashes broke out between Valley-majority Meiteis and hill-majority Kukis on May 3 last year.

Over 180 people have died and thousands of others have been internally displaced.