Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 22:
The titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, today expressed serious concern over the precariousness of the bond of fraternity shared between hill and valley people, and said that it should be preserved.
Addressing newsmen at the durbar hall of the palace this evening, the titular king said though some differences have arisen out of the cease-fire extension issue, the differences should be kept aside at one level and should not allowed to sever the relationship.
On the cease-fire issue, Leishemba stressed the need to incorporate a provision in Article 371(C) of the Constitution for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.
He has also submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister and home minister calling for withdrawal of ceasefire before July 31.He also squarely criticized the state administration for imposition of prohibition in valley which choosing to give a free reign in the hill, referring to the recent rally held in Senapati district by the Naga of Nagaland which created another flutter.
He also strongly reacted to media reports of �mass exodus� and said, �leave aside pelting stone and estrangement, we did not and do not gaze upon our hill brethren with an iota of suspicion�.
He also strongly condemned the recent remarks and statements made by UNC president Paul Leo stating that his statement had communal overtones which can create more trouble.