UCM to demand pre-merger status
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 19 2012:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) is all set to demand pre-merger status of Manipur if the peace talk between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India results in implementation of the 'alternative arrangement' demand of the Nagas in Manipur as well.
Addressing media persons at its head office at Lamphelpat here today, Yumnam Nabachandra, President of UCM said that Manipur has its own administration which is guided by certain rules and regulations, and it should not come under any other administrative rules under any circumstances whatsoever.
If the Government of India tries to cover the state of Manipur under the 'alternative arrangement' while trying to please NSCN-IM, UCM would be constraint to take up various movements to bring back the lost glory of Manipur by demanding pre-merger status of the state, Nabachandra warned, adding that UCM has made all preparations along with the support of CSOs of various communities to launch agitation in this regard.
He further said that although UCM welcomes the joint effort of NSCN-IM and Government of India in trying bringing about a peaceful solution and giving peace a chance to the people of Nagaland, however, UCM would not tolerate any breach in the territorial integrity of Manipur.
He pointed out that trying to impose another administrative rule in a state where an administrative set up has already existed is an act to disintegrate the different communities settling in the state.
As such, the Government of India should not try to kill the sentiments of one community while trying to please another community.
"The non-transparent attitude of Government of India over the present peace process with NSCN-IM clearly indicates that there are issues in discussion pertaining to breaking up the territorial integrity of Manipur", Y Nabachandra exclaimed, adding that the apprehension has been more strengthen by the fact that since the very beginning of the Naga peace process, territorial integrity of Manipur has always been threatened.
The UCM President categorically stated that the State Government should be all ears over the present peace process and see that no issue is brought up which can threaten the territorial integrity of Manipur.
It should remain alert and be well prepared in case of any eventuality.
Y Nabachandra also warned the state government with serious consequences if its decision goes against the territorial integrity of the state and said that, not only the State government but also the national political parties in the state should be ready to protect the territorial integrity of the state when the need arises, failing which UCM would take recourse to intense agitations to root out all national parties from the state.