Alternative administrative arrangement for Nagas and the need for our preparedness
- Part 2 -

Dr Khomdon Singh Lisam *

A rally in Ukhrul demanding 'Alternative Arrangement' on 25th November 2011 :: Pix - Jimmy Leivon

We should remember that the Government of India had committed several historical blunders to Manipur in the last 65 years. They can easily commit another blunder this time. We should remember the statement of G.K. Pillai, former Union Home Secretary, which was published on 27 September, 2011 in the Telegraph newspaper. According to him, the repeal of the draconian act AFSPA -1958 was one of the first steps towards resolving the vexed conflict of Manipur's valley and hills.

He said that "the ancient kingdom of Manipur had a constitution even before India wrote her own and had a proud history and was overnight turned into a C-category state in 1948. He further added "we have to build trust by dealing with the core issues. An apology, say by the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, for the past mistakes could be a start."

We feel that an apology is not sufficient. Now, the UCM had stated on 19 October, 2012 that they are likely to mobilise a mass movement to restore the pre-merger status of Manipur. They further added that they may not allow functioning of all national political parties in Manipur if the matter becomes serious. This warning announced through media channels should not be taken lightly. The AMUCO had given the opinion that autonomy may be considered for Tamenglong and Chandel.

The AMUCO may be giving this opinion considering the backwardness of these two districts. But autonomy on the lines suggested by the NSCN-IM will not be feasible, justifiable, practicable and necessary. Till date, no war or no armed conflict had brought about any solution. Ultimately the solution is brought about by political means.

The Government of India or the Union Home Ministry should not take a heavily biased stand which will bring chaos and perpetual conflict situation in Manipur. We expect that the wisdom of well –informed decision making should prevail if they are really interested in bringing peace, prosperity and development of Manipur. The Hon'ble Chief Minister may immediately disclose the plans and hidden agenda of Government of India to the people and spell out what are six points included in the proposed alternative arrangement.

The word alternative means alternative government – neither the Manipur State Assembly – nor the Manipur Government. It will be like One State–two systems just on the pattern of One Country–two system. If the Government of India still insist on alternative administrative arrangement, first there should be a referendum of the people comprising of all ethnic groups of Manipur.

Before the Government of India consider alternative administrative arrangement exclusively for Nagas they should consider alternative administrative arrangement for the Adivasis Dalits and Muslims who have been oppressed and exploited at he hands of mainland Indians for centuries together. Shri O. Ibobi Singh should not wait for a mass uprising.

If the Government of India does not respect the wishes of the people of Manipur, there may be a stronger and a different mass movement to restore the pre-merger status of Manipur this time or demand for one country –two system. We know that Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon'ble CM is not a weak Chief Minister. He may be knowing the sentiments of the people.

He should not commit anything without exploring the possibility of having a referendum covering the whole population of Manipur to restore pre-merger status of Manipur or the alternative administrative arrangement. Earlier, he did not succumb to the pressure of Union Home Minister and could confront the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister during the last visit of Muivah.

He stood by the voice of the people. He had said that "I have to do this according to the wishes of my people". And he succeeded. People appreciated him. He had prevented the extension of NSCN cease fire to Manipur. He had prevented Muivah from entering Manipur. He should not succumb to the pressure of Prime Minister and Home Minister to agree to the terms dictated by Mr. Muivah.

In the mean time, the Hon'ble Chief Minister may consider proposing a constitutional amendment on the following points:-

1. The Article 3 of Indian Constitution regarding alteration of state boundaries shall not apply in respect of Manipur.

2. Any person from other states of India shall need an Inner Line Permit to enter Manipur on payment of nominal fees to protect the identity, culture, traditions, language, script of the Manipuris. Manipur welcomes all people from other states to visit Manipur.

3. Any person /institution or company from other states of India will not be allowed to purchase lands without approval of the State Government.

4. All the ethnic groups in Manipur may be brought under an uniform Land Laws

5. All the indigenous religions of Manipur will be recognized by the Indian Constitution as the religions of the State".

6. The Constitution should provide establishment of an upper house (Legislative Council) with a minimum of 40 members with provision for nominated members.

7. The number of Lok Sabha MPs should be increased to five as a minimum

8. The Number of Rajya Sabha MPs should be increased to seven (7) on the basis of equal representation of states as done in USA and other countries.

9. The Manipuri script (Meitei Mayek) should be included in the coins and currency bank notes

10. The followers of Sanamahi - Pakhangba religion may be put under "Scheduled Tribe category" of the Indian Constitution.

11. A separate Manipur Regiment of at least 20,000 strength should be established under the Indian Army. 10% of the Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF posted in the North East India should be manned by the Manipuris.

12. The Manipuris should be considered for the posts of Governors and Ambassadors.

Concluded..