MPP fires salvo at SPF Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29:
Leaders of the Opposition MPP have categorically stated that the State Government should be responsible for the failure of the State Cabinet to take a decision on convening a special session of the Assembly inspite of the resolution of the all political party meeting to discuss the issue related to submission of a memorandum to the Prime Minister jointly by four Naga MLAs and one MP on July 18 for integration of all incongruous Naga-inhabited areas.
Addressing a press conference at MPP office here this afternoon in this connection, party president Dr L Chandramani said that the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister jointly by six MLAs from Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong and MP of Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency is a challenge to MPP which was set up in the first place to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
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The inability of the SPF Cabinet to recommend a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue even after the matter has been placed before the Government after an all political party meeting is not right, Dr Chandramani said, while exerting pressure on the Government for taking up necessary measures for calling a special session of the Assembly at the earliest possible.
The State Government should not forget the June 18 incident against the move of integrating all incongruous Naga Nagainhabited areas of the North Eastern States, he reminded.
Dr Chandramani disclosed that taking serious note of the threat posed on the territorial integrity of Manipur a meeting of the working committee of MPP was held yesterday to discuss the necessary steps to counter such threats.
After adopting a policy in this regard, the same has also been referred to the central committee.
If necessary, a special session would be called to discuss the matter, apart from making arrangements for a day-long discussion session on the issue of integrity of Manipur on September 6, he said.
Leader of MPP Legislature Wing MLA O Joy who was also present during the press conference contended that the demand of the six MLAs and one MP for bringing all the Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit is nothing but a challenge to the integrity of Manipur.
Can the honourable MP raise the issue of integrating the Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar with Nagaland on the floor of the Parliament ?, Joy questioned, while wondering how the six MLAs who have been elected for the integrity and development of Manipur could write to the Prime Minister in this regard.
Joy reiterated that the issue that has hurt the sentiments of the people should be taken up for proper discussion on the floor of the Assembly by calling a special session very soon.
The Assembly is a common platform for all the elected MLAs and if they are not going to discuss it then who else would do it ?, he asked, adding that the Congress led SPF Government should be held responsible for any eventuality of the failure of convening the Assembly session.
He also strongly condemned the recent resolution of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland.
While Congress party is claiming itself committed to the protection of the existing boundaries of the North Eastern States, what role is being played by its units in Nagaland and Manipur ?, he questioned further.
Party MLAs, RK Anand and Dr Ng Bijoy who were also present at the occasion maintained that convening a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue should be right step and said Article-III of the Indian Constitution should not be applied to Manipur.