NO THREAT TO TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY: GOVERNOR
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15:
The Governor today tried to pacify the sense of �outrage� provoked by the decision taken by the Centre to extend the ongoing Naga ceasefire to Manipur, by saying that the Union Home Minister LK Advani has assured him that the integrity of Manipur is not threatened.
�The Home Minister gave a personal assurance to the Governor that there is no question of agreeing to anything that will in any way threaten the territorial integrity of Manipur,� a statement issued by the Imphal Raj Bhavan said.
Advani made this assurance when the Governor Ved Marwah spoke to the Home Minister over phone this morning to convey to the former the strong feelings of the people of Manipur and their fears about the disintegration of Manipur, the statement said.
It further said Advani told Marwah that the NDA as mentioned in their common minimum programme is committed to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur and other north eastern states and it will honour that commitment.
The Union Home secretary Kamal Pandey, in a written communication to the Chief Secretary of Manipur stated that �Though, this time, the ceasefire is without any territorial limits and not limited to the State of Nagaland, I wish to assure you that this decision would not, in any way, affect the territorial integrity of any of the northeastern States,� Raj Bhavan said.
The Governor also appealed to the people of Manipur not to say or do anything that will vitiate communal harmony and peace in the state.
The Governor reiterated his appeal to the people not to be swayed away by emotions and assured that the President�s Rule administration will not make any attempt to muzzle the voice of protest and sentiments of the people.