Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum (PPF) studies likely impacts of political solution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2012: The Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum (PPF) has deliberated on the likely impacts on Manipur in the event of reaching a political solution between New Delhi and NSCN-IM.

The forum, during a special general body meeting held today Keikhu Muslim, also discussed about enforcing Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.

Addressing the gathering PPF spokesperson MI Khan stated that the Pangals are a small community which are still backward socially, politically and economically.

PPF is not a political party.

Neither it supports nor opposes the Government.

The forum was set up for socio-economic development of the Pangals.

In his speech, PPF chief advisor and retired IAS AR Khan said, "We too wish a solution to the Indo-Naga conflict but it should be at the cost of Manipuris" .

Quoting media reports, AR Khan said that the Government of India and NSCN-IM have signed a six-point agreement.

Moreover, the two sides have been preparing to set up an institution like Supra State body.

Whereas media reports on these developments were not detail, neither the Union Government nor the State Government has not come out with a clear statement.

"We Pangals too feel the anxiety caused by lack of clarity on the recent development between New Delhi and NSCN-IM", AR Khan said.

"We have a nagging fear if the Government of India would resort to tactics similar to those when king Bodhchandra was called to Redlands, Shillong and forced to sign the Merger Agreement in 1949," he stated.

It would do good for all concerned to remember the historic movement of June, 2001 .

Talking about ILPS, AR Khan said that there is nothing to rejoice about the prospect of obliterating the identity of Pangals born to Meitei women on account of influx of Bengali Muslims.

PPF would support enforcement of ILPS in Manipur but it should not be partial or discriminatory.

Yet, people seemed to be giving little thought to influx of Burmese Kukis, Bangladeshi Meiteis and Nepalese.

"If our identity is threatened, we must fight back", AR Khan said.

The meeting was attended by PPF president AR Shah, former Minister Hesamuddin, MU Reader Abdul Latif, Associate Professor Abdul Hekim and former Public Prosecutor Jalaluddin.

Associate Prof Abdul Hekim spoke about modernisation of Madrassas.

Notably, the project of modernising Madrassas was initiated by late former Minister Allaudin Khan.

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