Centre examining Manipur's three bills: Rijiju

The central government has received three bills passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31 and is discussing them with the concerned ministries, union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday.

"The government has received the three bills passed by the state legislature on August 31 this year and reserved by the governor of Manipur for President's assent," Rijiju told the Lok Sabha.

He said the government was scrutinising the three bills with the help of other departments.

He was answering a question by Nagaland's parliamentarian Nephiu Rio as to the status of the three bills and whether the government has taken cognizance of the impact of the three bills on public sentiments of the hilly areas of the state.

The three bills include Protection of Manipur People Bill, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment Bill), and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill.

Manipur has witnessed violence and death of nine tribals following the passing of the three bills in a specially called assembly session on August 31 this year.

Hundreds of people also have been protesting in the national capital for over a month, demanding that the central government refuse to clear the three bills.