Dy CM bats for integrity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18 2016 :
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has said that the collective stand of the people of Manipur and the State Government is not to compromise with the emotional and territorial integrity of the State.
Speaking to reporters at Kekrupat as he came to pay homage and offer floral tributes to the martyrs during the Great June Uprising, Unity Day observation, Gaikhangam said that no separate homeland for any particular community would be carved out from the present State.
He stated that Manipur as a whole is the homeland for Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and Meitei Pangals.
The Deputy Chief Minister also exhorted the people to give up the idea of demanding separate homelands.
Saying that Manipur is a tiny State , Gaikhangam urged the people to abandon all community or ethnic centric ideas and demands.
Regarding ILPS demand, Gaikhangam said that the all-political parties delegation led by Chief Minister O Ibobi had clearly mentioned the need for a Constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people of the State during their meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
He said that the delegation also clearly told the Union Minister that Manipur is extremely vulnerable to outsiders' influx as it is located along the international border.
The population of Manipur is small when compared with the population of India, he said and added that as such the people of Manipur need a Constitutional safeguard to protect them from being outnumbered by the outsiders.
He said that the delegation also told the Union Home Minister that the three Bills do not go against the interest of any community.
He further said that as the Central Government had upheld one of the Bills, the delegation sought Central Government's suggestions on drafting a new Bill which is acceptable to all the communities.
Gaikhangam said that a new Bill must be drafted in consultation with the CSOs and people of both hills and valley.
He also urged the organisations concerned not to impose any blockade or counter blockade in the interest of the general public.