United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and Committee on Civil Societies (CCSK) have expressed their reservations over the concealing of details about the 18-years-long Indo-Naga peace process, and said that they would stand solid against the ploy to divide Manipur.
Briefing to reporters at a joint press conference today at UCM office, President of AMUCO, Y Mani Khuman said that during their meeting with RN Ravi, interlocutor of Indo-Naga peace talk who was recently in Imphal, they (UCM, AMUCO and CCSK) reiterated their demands to safeguard the political and territorial integrity of Manipur. They had warned the interlocutor not to affect the Manipurs’ boundary by the peace agreement signed between Central Government and NSCN-IM on August 3 at New Delhi.
People of Manipur have the right to know the entire peace process that might directly or indirectly affect the state. However, the detail framework of the peace agreement is still kept under wrap from the public till today, Mani added.
He said that they have apprised the Government of India through the interlocutor to produce a white paper on the peace process with NSCN (IM) from 1997 onward and details of the recently signed (August 3, 2015) agreement.
While, President of UCM, Elangbam Johnson said this lengthy and secretive nature of the talk raised doubt among the people of Manipur.
Even though the interlocutor assured the people of Manipur that the Indo-NSCN (IM) peace agreement would not affect the interest of the neighbouring states, the repeated mentioning of respecting Naga’s aspirations by NSCN (IM) leader Muivah after the recent peace accord raised doubt among the people of Manipur, he added.
During the meeting they have been told by Ravi that in order to bring a long lasting solution to the Naga issue, something has to be given to Nagas, informed CCSK, President P Arjun Telheiba.
In this regard, they have strongly urged the interlocutor to protect the administrative jurisdiction of Manipur by respecting the distinctive historical identity and political status of Manipur, said Telheiba.
The operation of any agreement between the Centre and NSCN (IM) should be limited within the state of Nagaland, he added.
While appealing the people of Manipur to stay alert on the Indo-Naga peace process, he also informed that the three bodies along with other civil society organizations would launch mass campaign across the state.
