Imphal, May 02 2010: Many political leaders including a legislator of MPP have strongly criticised the Union Government for allowing the NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah to visit Manipur at this time.

MLA of MPP RK Anand, who is in Delhi at present, told this newspaper that he strongly condemns the decision of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to permit Muivah to visit Manipur despite having full knowledge that his visit would greatly disturb peace and tranquility in the state.

Since the ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India is not in force in Manipur, Muivah can not come to the state, RK Anand said and added that Muivah's movement should be confined to only within Nagaland where the ceasefire is in force.

He said, everyone knows his hidden agenda behind his scheduled visit to Manipur.

The decision of the state government to ban Muivah from coming to Manipur is appreciated, and all people of Manipur need to prevent Muivah from visiting the state as it may cause serious communal disturbances.

President of BJP Manipur Pradesh, Shantikumar Sharma told the Hueiyen Lanpao that the ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and the Centre is not extended to Manipur.

Why should the Centre ask the state government to provide security protection to the NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah? Is NSCN-IM one of the parties on SoO with the state government? He can not come to Manipur.

The state government's stand is not clear.

What is there behind the screen, the BJP president asked.

Secretary General of NCP, Sharatkumar said, if Th Muivah crosses into the territory of Manipur despite the state government's decision to ban him, Chief Minister O Ibobi must resign from his post on moral ground.

A decision taken by the Cabinet is equivalent to law.

The Centre's directive to the state government to make security arrangements for Muivah's visit shows that the Centre does not respect the present SPF Government, he said.

Vice President of MPP, Y Khemchand told this newspaper that the permission given by the Union Home Minister to Th Muivah before the ADC elections will creat trouble in the state.

It is very unfortunate.

The Centre must not forget June 18 of 2001 .

The responsibility for all consequences of his visit should be borne by the State and Central governments.

Secretary, Manipur State Committee, CPI-M, Sharat Salam said that the issue can not be taken lightly.

The Centre must not pressurise the State Government on the issue.

The Chief Minister's stand should be clear.

June 18 must be remembered, he said.