PM has reassured territorial integrity, claims Th Chaoba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12 2015: The framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM will not affect the territorial integrity of Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly assured State B JP president Th Chaoba.

Addressing media persons today at the office of BJP Manipur Pradesh here, State BJP unit president Th Chaoba said, "The Naga accord which was recently signed is just a framework and we must not panic as the PM had given the assurance that the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be affected" .

In his recent meeting with the PM, Home Minister and the interlocutor, the PM reportedly assured Chaoba that the territory of Manipur will be maintained and will not be affected by the agreement, he added.

Further he appealed to all the people of the State to make their stand clear that the interest of Manipur should not be affected.

He added that the Prime Minister will consult the Chief Ministers of different States, leaders of different CSOs before the final accord is signed.

The Government of Manipur should work accordingly with the steps taken up by the Central Government considering the larger interest of the State.

"Our (State BJP's) stand is territorial integrity first and party next", he stated and added that the State BJP will always stand for the territorial integrity of the State.

He urged the people to extend cooperation to the State Govt's steps to protect the interest of the people and to make the voice of the people heard before finalisation of the agreement.

Chaoba further appealed to the CM of Manipur to act in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people.

The State BJP had submitted a memorandum to BJP National president Amit Shah on August 6 asking him to detail the framework agreement before the public.

Appealing to all elected members not to use provocative words which might spark tension among the people, Chaoba said that political parties should not politicise the issue and instead work together to protect the integrity of Manipur.

On August 7, BJP Manipur Pradesh had urged the State Government to convene a meeting of all Political Parties to discuss the prevailing situation arising out of the 'Naga Peace Accord'.

Till today, there has been no positive response from the State Government, he said.

The peace talk between the NSCN (IM) is more than a decade old and it is high time to bring a solution, he added.

On the ongoing ILPS issue, Chaoba commented that the State Government should frame a separate Bill under the State List and should not blend it with provisions under the Union and Concurrent Lists as it may sideline the efficiency of the Bill which people have been demanding.

The State Government should place certain terms and conditions on land holding rights by non-locals and should provide a mechanism to regulate entry of migrant workers, he added.

The press meet was attended by office bearers of the BJP Manipur Pradesh.

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