MPP opposes NCTC proposal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2012:
Voicing its opposition against the Centre's proposal to set-up National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in all the States, Manipur people's Party (MPP) opined that setting up of NCTC here in the State will further imperil people of Manipur, who are already enduring human rights violation at the hands of security forces.
speaking to news-persons at its office today, MPP president in-charge S Umananda and the regional political organisation's Youth Front president Maniton Mangang noting that a conference of Chief Ministers was convened recently at New Delhi to assess views of the CMs on NCTC, expressed that the MPP is against setting up of the Centre in Manipur.
With the people of Manipur already under duress due to numerous cases of human right violation, they expressed that in case NCTC is set-up here it would not only aggravate the situation but will also demean spirit and principle of democracy.
Contending that NCTC is an affront to the federal structure, the MPP leaders also construed that NCTC is merely a mechanism for the Central Government to dominate the States.
Cautioning that any attempt to marginalise the States will have adverse impact in the long run, Umananda and Maniton were unanimous that NCTC is a testimony of the Centre not having confidence or lacking trust in the State forces.
Appreciating certain Chief Ministers for their rigid stand against the concept of NCTC, they also affirmed that MPP will seek legal assistance to thwart the centre's move for setting up NCTC here.
Pointing out that intense agitation against abuse of human rights by security forces had been a common feature here, they also conveyed that viewpoints of the citizens in the issue of NCTC would be taken into account by the political organisation.
With the regard to the controversial death of Richard Loitam in Bangalore, they expressed concerned that people from the north East, particularly the student community are no more secure in bigger cities as had been demonstrated by numerous cases of students getting killing.
Alleging that such incidents directly reflect racial discrimination of the people of North East in other parts of the country, Umananda and Maniton cautioned that such an attitude/outlook will only strain the country's emotional integrity.
They also strongly suggested that the Government of India initiate suitable measures to ensure protection of the students from north East.
The MPP leaders also conveyed congratulations to all the candidates from Manipur who came out with flying colours in the UPSC conducted civil services examination.