IT News
Imphal, Oct. 21
United Committee Manipur (UCM), an apex organisation of civil bodies in the state today re-affirmed its stand to fight against any move that may affect the integrity of Manipur and says ‘No’ to Pan Naga Cultural Body, Autonomous Naga Council or extension of Article 371(A) to Manipur while solving the issues of the NSCN-IM.
“Through various media reports and government sources we have been informed that the government of India is likely to extend article 371(A) of the Indian constitution to the territory of Manipur whom they claim to be Naga dominated areas by forming an Autonomous Naga Council and also for formation of a Pan Naga Cultural Forum that may subdued identity of many ethnic communities of the state while solving the issue of NSCN-IM”, General Secretary of UCM Athouba said, adding that the UCM and the people of Manipur will repeat 10 times stronger protest than the 2001 June uprising if any such moves were made against the wishes of the people of the state.
Athouba was speaking at the sideline of an emergency meeting held at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai here in Imphal in the backdrop of the India government announcement for signing of the final agreement on October 31. The meeting was organised as a mark of protest against the government of India, over its failure to consult the stakeholders of Manipur before signing of the final agreement with the NSCN-IM.
“On December 28, 2018, the Prime Minister of India had assured that the settlement of the NSCN-IM issue will not affect the interest of the state of Manipur and that the stakeholders will be consulted before signing any final agreement with the NSCN-IM”, Athouba said while adding that it is only 10 days left that the final agreement is to be signed as per the statement of RN Ravi, the interlocutor of the peace talk and that people are apprehensive as no invitation is being made for consultation of the agreement that is to be signed.
The UCM general secretary said that the UCM will now follow the same ‘ignorance’ policy that the Prime Minister of India had followed by not keeping his words he made to the representatives of the CSOs of Manipur and will now begin various forms of agitation by going at ground. He however stated that a final appointment will be sought as last warning to the Prime Minister of India.
