UCM, AMUCO denounces Greater Autonomous Council proposal
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 08 2012:
Expressing strong resentment over the proposal of a Greater Autonomous Council for Nagaland in place of the earlier Supra State Body proposal by the Centre, United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) today stated that the proposal of the India government for a Greater Autonomous Council is like inviting another June 18 to the people of Manipur.
In a joint statement, UCM and AMUCO recalled how the India government forced the people of Manipur to revolt against the government and sacrifice 18 valuable lives for the sake of protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur when Cease Fire Agreement with NSCN (IM) was extended 'without territorial limit' .
The joint statement alleged that in many instances, the state government acted like a puppy before the NSCN-IM and India government whenever NSCN-IM cadres carried out terrorist acts in the state conflicting human casualties, taking innocent lives and extorting huge amount of money from the state.
An IRB CO was given forced retirement for shooting and recovering arms from 11 NSCN-IM cadre at Pallel Lamkhai.
Some cadres of the outfit who were arrested by Manipur Commandos from Kangpokpi were also accorded VIP's status and later escorted upto Mao gate with state honour before setting them free.
Moreover, NSCN-IM instigated its frontal organisations to carry out indefinite economic blockades on the two National Highways giving different reasons.
Thus, the government has been conceding to the high-headedness of the leaders of the frontal organisations and even went to their place to initiate dialogues when court had issued arrest warrant against them, the statement observed.
On the other hand, Chief Minister O Ibobi did nothing when he was welcomed with placards that read 'Welcome to South Nagaland' at Senapati HQ and 'We do not welcome communal Chief Minister O Ibobi' at Ukhrul, the joint statement recalled.
It further recalled that SDO Thingnam Kishan and his two sub-ordinate staffs were murdered by NSCN-IM.
Bombs were exploded in various public places killing and injuring innocent lives only to protest against the election to ADC in the hills districts.
Amidst all these, a news report of Seven Sisters' Post which reported about an alternate Greater Autonomous Council instead of the previous Supra State Body has sparked uncertainty and apprehension in the minds of the public wondering whether the India government is again playing a dirty trick with the people of Manipur to please the NSCN-IM.
Adding to the confusion is the act of the Manipur government in keeping quite over the news report, it added.
The statement further stated that all the 60 MLAs who have sworn to protect the territorial integrity of the state before the election have vanished when it is the time for them to raise their voices against the proposal of the Centre which might turn into reality soon.
Demanding a clear stand on the matter from both the state government and the Centre, the joint statement warned of another June 18 like public uprising if the government fails to heed the warning of UCM & AMUCO.
If the government goes ahead with the proposed Greater Autonomous Council without respecting the territorial integrity of Manipur and the aspiration of the people, the joint statement stated categorically that UCM & AMUCO would not remain silent over any decision of the government which is against the interest of the people in Manipur.
It also called upon the people to stay alert over the proposal and raise their voice.