'My Slap Was Very Light,' Manipur Lawmaker Tells NDTV After Hitting Government Official

Imphal: A government official in Manipur has been manhandled by a lawmaker, allegedly for not giving his men contracts for food distribution. The lawmaker admits to hitting him during an argument, but argues that his slap was "very light" and the officer came to no harm. He even said he stopped his aides from beating up the man.

SA Halim, who has been working for the government for 35 years, says on May 30, he told the legislator that a Supreme Court order bars elected representatives from getting involved with PDS. "When I said this, he slapped me and tried to punch me," Mr Halim said.

ST Nunghlung Victor, a lawmaker from the Naga People's Front, claims he lost his temper as the officer was being rude to him.

"For three months, he had been creating problems in the transportation of rice. He would award one contract, cancel it, then award another one," Mr Victor told NDTV. "When I pointed this out, he was very rude. I lost my cool for a bit but my slap was very light. He got no harm. And I prevented my people from bashing him up."

Today, Mr Halim met the Manipur Chief Secretary. "I am at risk. I have requested that I be transferred out from Chandel," he said.
This is the second such instance within a month.

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In May, Assembly Speaker Lokeswar Singh was accused of standing by as his escorts brutally attacked a police officer in front of his family.

Arambam Amitabh, a sub-inspector, was with his wife and two children in a Maruti Gypsy when the Speaker's convoy came from behind, flashing lights and blaring sirens.  Mr Amitabh reportedly took a moment to give way to the convoy.

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The Speaker's escort vehicles allegedly forced him to stop his car, blocking his way front and back. The guards then pulled out the policeman and allegedly thrashed him.