Mani Charenamei opens up to TSE in one to one
Former MP bats for common platform of all
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2014 : Manipur may face a grave situation if a common platform for all communities cannot be built at the earliest, warned former MP Mani Charenamei.

Talking with The Sangai Express exclusively, Mani Charenamei stated that the Manipuri society is becoming more and more fragmented and each community has been strongly advocating their separate aspirations rather than promoting common interests.

This is a dangerous trend and the State need to tackle it in the most tactful manner without compromising trust of any community.

Notably, Mani Charenamei was elected to the Lok Sabha election in 2004.He contested the election as a consensus candidate of the United Naga Council.

But this time, Mani Charenamei would be contesting the Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate.

Mani Charenamei

On being enquired if there is any difference in political ideology with UNC referring to his decision to fight the Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate rather than with the UNC's support, the former MP stated that all the activities and agenda of UNC are rooted in a single issue.

"I've already consulted and sought support of the UNC as well as other organisations but the UNC seems more interested in the NPF", he disclosed.

"But I've no ill feeling against the UNC", he added.

Whether it is legitimate or illegitimate is another question but UNC has its own agenda and conviction.

It is heartening to note that a tripartite talk has been initiated at the political level between UNC, the State Government and the Government of India on the UNC's primary agenda.

"In case I get elected as an independent candidate, I would fight for the causes of all communities including the UNC's if they are legitimate", Mani Charenamei pledged.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act is known only to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the North East but others have little idea about this infamous Act.

Army people think that abolition of AFSPA would affect their operational capacity but they are wittingly or unwittingly overlooking the extensive casualty suffered by the public because of the Act, Charenamei stated.

A lucid and detailed report about the damages done by AFSPA should be tabled in the Parliament.

Commenting on the State's degrading ecology, the former MP underscored the immense role of Forest Department in protecting environment.

Forest Department need to devise an effective forest management mechanism and it would certainly demand people's active cooperation.

Forest Department cannot drag its feet on the matter otherwise some people may turn all the forests into gold mines for personal aggrandisement at the cost of the State's environment and ecology.

Once the hill ecology is degraded to a certain point, it would produce serious impacts on the valley too.

Sustainable development and conservation of forests should go hand in hand.

What is of crucial importance for Manipur to be a peaceful place is unity among common people belonging to different communities.

After this, Kukis should preach peace within their own community.

Likewise Nagas and Meiteis should also do the same, he added.