UCM moots pre-merger status
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 19 2012:
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has categorically stated that it would demand pre-merger status of Manipur if the ongoing political dialogue between NSCN-IM and Government of India disturbs the unity of Manipur or its territorial integrity.
Nevertheless, it is heartening to hear that a solution is in sight to NSCN-IM's prolonged armed struggle which would ultimately free the people of Nagaland from the scourge of armed conflict.
Speaking to media persons this afternoon about the recent developments in the political dialogue between Government of India and NSCN-IM, UCM president Y Nabachandra said that the UCM was happy to hear that the 15 year old negotiation between New Delhi and NSCN-IM is finally arriving at a solution.
However, the political dialogue should not affect Manipur.
This was already demonstrated by the Great June Uprising of 2001 in which many people were martyred.
It was the collective stance of the people of Manipur and there is no change to this collective stance.
The Government of India should not commit the blunder of disturbing communal harmony in the interest of a single community.
The ongoing dialogue between Government of India and NSCN-IM should maintain a level of transparency.
At the same time, both the Centre and the State Government should act responsibly keeping in mind aspirations of all sections of the society, Nabachandra stated.
In case, the Government commit the blunder of going against the collective wish of the people, Manipur would certainly witness a series of Great June Uprisings.
Reminding that UCM was basically founded to safeguard unity of Manipur as well as its territorial integrity, Nabachandra asserted that UCM is still standing firm on the same standpoint together with the people.
In case the Government of India threatens and challenges the integrity of Manipur in the name of finding a solution to the ongoing political dialogue, all national level political parties would be uprooted from the soil of Manipur.
Moreover, UCM together with the people of Manipur would demand pre-merger status of Manipur.
To a query, the UCM president stated that they are all prepared to face any eventuality resulting from the political dialogue and protect the integrity of Manipur by the united strength of all communities of Manipur.