MPP calls for constitutional safeguard of Manipur's boundary
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 26 2022:
Manipur People's Party (MPP) celebrated its 55th foundation day at its office premises near Mapal Kangjeibung, here, on Monday with party president Chingakham Shyamjai hoisting the party's flag and honouring party elders for their contribution to the party.
Speaking on the occasion, Shyamjai noted that there are many issues in the society and MPP as a regional party feels obligated to take up initiatives to resolve these issues.
There are certain things that need attention of a regional party as no effective solution could be expected from any national party.
Amid the demand for community-centric homeland, people of Manipur are worried if the state would fall apart.
The solution to this apprehension lies in incorporating special provisions to protect the territorial boundary of the state in the Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution of India, which allows the government of India to realign territories of its states.
MPP will take up the issue if the party becomes part of the state government in the 2027 assembly election, he said.
Even though the chief minister is giving assurances of protecting the territory of the state, the real power lies with the Centre and not with the state.
Bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into three UTs is the perfect and most recent example of the power exercised by the Central government.
Unless there is a provision in the Constitution, which prevents the Centre from executing such powers, the threat to the territorial boundary of the state will always remain, he said while iterating that MPP will stick to the demand if its members are in the state legislative assembly.
Talking on the internal crisis within the party due to some past office bearers, the party president conceded that such internal disputes indeed reduce the credibility of the party.
It is unfortunate that selfish motives of some individuals are degrading the party and maligning its image, he said and expressed remorse to hear some people speaking of MPP as a political party living on rent income.
While reflecting on the past glories and activities of the party for the state and its people, Shyamjai called for public support in making the party a strong contender once again.
In his address, MPP secretary (administration) Soibam Machang said that no national party can freely function for the welfare of the state without intervention from their party leaders.
They will always wait for instructions or take suggestions from their central leaders to do anything.
Whereas regional parties are free to do whatever is needed for the welfare of the state.
A strong regional party is the answer to the development of a state's socio-economy, cultural economy and other sectors.
The state needs a strong regional party to resolve issues including the border issues, he said and added that only a regional party can protect the human resource and natural resources of the state.
Meikam Ibobi attended the function as chief guest while MPP working president Ningombam Ojit, senior vice-president Konthoujam Krishnachandra, vice-president Potshangbam Jamini and vice-president Dr Yanglem Mani were present as guests of honour.