UNC irked over skipping 'Alternative Arragement' issue
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 28 2012:
The absence of 'tripartite talk on Alternative Arrangement' matter in the Governor Gurbachan Jagat's address in the State Assembly on March 19 has irked United Naga Council (UNC), which has taken strong exception to the development.
According to the Naga body, the Governor's address mentioned agreements entered into by the State Government with armed groups but silent on the democratic process of tripartite talk of Government of Manipur, Government of India and United Naga Council that has been put in place during the year to address the demand for an alternative arrangement by the Nagas in Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
"That the democratic and civil movement of the Nagas in Manipur does not find place in the Governor's address reflects lack of respect for civil and democratic movements by the State Government and instead seems to be promoting armed movements alone," alleged UNC.
"The Governor's speech also entreated for preserving the territorial integrity of Manipur but is deafeningly silent on the second class citizenship that the Nagas and tribals in the state have to endure and for which reason maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur amounts to endorsing the continued suppression and deprivation of the Nagas and tribals in Manipur," the UNC said, and added "the office of the Governor of Manipur had all these years failed in its constitutional duties as stipulated under 371(A) which enjoins the Governor to submit an annual report to the President of India on the administration of the hill areas of Manipur but the address lauds the State Government for its achievements, which in reality is non-existent in the hills" .
The Naga body went on to say that the 'stubborn irrelevance being indulged by the exalted office of the Governor is an insult to the Nagas and tribal people in Manipur.
The Governor of the State cannot be Imphal/valley centric for he is not the Governor of Imphal valley alone and must address the grim and grave issues that the hills areas are submerged in.
"When the social divide in the state has become markedly pronounced and the situation explosive, the Governor's address tilted towards the interest of the dominant community further vitiates the environment," it alleged.