Y Erabot sets record straight

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 7: “Disappointed” with some newspapers for printing “misleading” reports regarding the interim order of the Supreme Court which has prohibited him from enjoying certain rights as an MLA, Y Erabot has urged the media to verify their reports for authenticity before publishing.
In a statement, Y Erabot clarified that the order of the Supreme Court only prohibits him from enjoying personal monetary benefit entitled to him.
“It does not prohibit me from enjoying other facilities and benefits such as, staff allowances and others entitled to me as a legislator and to perform and execute my duties as an MLA accordingly,” he said.
“I further clarify that not only do I respect the interim direction of the Apex Court. In fact, as a dedicated and responsible person, I do not have any want of my salary and as a legislator I consider my duty to be of utmost priority,” Y Erabot said.
It may be noted that the High Court of Manipur, on April 15, had declared Okram Henry’s 2017 election as null and void and declared Y Erabot as duly elected MLA from Wangkhei Assembly Constituency. The Court gave the judgement while hearing an election petition filed by Y Erabot.
Thereafter, Okram Henry had then approached the Supreme Court with a prayer to stay the April 15 judgement and order of the High Court.
In the statement today, Y Erabot said the Supreme Court on May 6 had passed interim directions. “By the said directions; I have been allowed to represent the electorate in the House and participate in Assembly debates. I have been prohibited from casting any vote on the Assembly floor or in any committee of the House. I have been prohibited from receiving any monetary benefits (which mean only salary/pay) in respect of the office of Member of Assembly until further orders from the Apex Court,” said Y Erabot.
The Supreme Court also denied the request of Okram Henry to stay the April 15 order of the High Court.
“Amidst this [COVID-19] pandemic, inevitable political conflicts and competition needs to be reserved. As the representative of Wangkhei AC, I pledge that I shall duly execute all my tasks and immediately address all the problems being faced by my people. Every individual/group irrespective of their political affiliation shall unitedly invest ideas and resources in dealing with this pandemic,” he said.