Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 05 2010:
After MPP's strong worded inquisition into the motive and agenda of the tripartite talk held at Senapati on December 3 involving officials of both State and Central Governments and representatives of the UNC, SPF spokesperson N Biren has categorically clarified that the question of alternative arrangement was not on the agenda.
Biren stated that the SPF Government is committed to safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur.
The Government is open to holding talks with any of its citizens.
The UNC representatives are also citizens of the State.
That was why, State Government officials took part in the tripartite talk, Biren clarified while speaking to media persons at his office chamber this evening.
The agenda of the tripartite meeting were annulment of the ADC elections, withdrawal of wanted declarations against UNC and ANSAM leaders, institution of judicial enquiry into the Mao incident and explanation for prohibiting NSF leaders from entering Manipur.
Chief Secretary DS Poonia who led the delegation of State Government officials put it in clear terms that the ADC elections could not be declared null and void as the elections were held according to rules applicable in a democracy, with consent of the 20 MLAs of the Hill Areas Committee.
However, State Government officials were receptive of the demand for judicial enquiry into the Mao incident instead of magisterial enquiry if the UNC leaders wished so.
As regards declaration of UNC and ANSAM leaders as wanted, the State Government has nothing to do with it as the declaration came from the High Court.
This was conveyed to the UNC leaders during the meeting.
The State Government did not receive any official or unofficial information about the visit of NSF leaders to Manipur.
But unfortunately, curfew was being imposed in Senapati district when the NSF leaders tried to enter Manipur through Mao Gate.
The Chief Minister has already clarified that there was some misunderstanding with regard to the NSF leaders' visit, Biren quoted the Government officials as stated during the meeting.
Even as the question of alternative arrangement was not on the agenda, UNC leaders put up the matter.
But the Chief Secretary made it clear that the State Government has a firm stand not to make any compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur.
People were witness to this firm conviction of the SPF Govt when it barred visit of NSCN-IM General Secretary Th Muivah to Manipur.
Without taking any name, the SPF Spokesperson appealed to some political parties not to make immature statements without knowing details.
He also condemned the allegations levelled against the Govt by some political parties in connection with the arrest of UNLF Chairman Sana Yaima.
He further ruled out any possibility of any MLAs of the SPF leaving the coalition to join BJP.