Meghen sets record straight on plebiscite
Source: The Sangai Express
Gauhati, May 20 2011:
In an obvious reference to the reaction of an underground outfit to the call for plebiscite mooted by the United National Liberation Front to settle the Indo-Manipur conflict, its Chairman RK Meghen today stated that the plebiscite model was mooted as a means to settle the issue and did not in any way mean that it should be held without the consent of the people.
Speaking to reporters, while being taken to the NIA Court today, Meghen said that the reaction may have come due to some communication gap and clarified that the plebiscite model mooted by them is an option floated to settle the Indo-Manipur conflict.
If any outfit comes up with a model to settle the issue, then UNLF would gladly welcome it, he said and added that the final decision on which model to adopt should rest with the people.
It is not that the public should accept any model floated by any outfit, without going through it minutely.
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The present stand off is a result of the "forced annexation of Manipur" by India in 1949, said the rebel leader, who is presently under arrest after he was picked up under conflicting claims last year.
The plebiscite model was mooted as it is a universally accepted democratic means of settling issues between two entities, said Meghen and added that there can be no solution with the active participation of the public.
Talking to media and in response to a question on peace talks proposal, RK Meghen, who was produced along with some other cadres in the special court of NIA, clarified that so far there has been no peace talks offer and he knows nothing about such proposal nor have any comment to make.
However, he maintained that peace talk is a one-sided approach of India and peace talk is like surrendering.
How are we supposed to surrender after we have come up so far ?, he questioned, adding that resolution of the conflict situation has already been entrusted in the hands of the people.