Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21:
United Committee for Peace and Integrity, Imphal East has urged Governor Ved Marwah to mount pressure on the Centre and effect suitable amendment of Article 3 of the Constitution to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur and also to revise the ground rules of the ceasefire.
In a representation submitted by a delegation led by its president Th Manao to the Governor today, the Committee said the Bangkok Agreement, which contained the provision of extending the ceasefire beyond the boundary of Nagaland had given serious apprehensions among the people of Manipur that the territorial integrity of Manipur may be compromised.
The announcement of the Prime Minister on July 27 that the phrase "without territorial limits" has been dropped is not clear, said the representation adding that unless a white paper is brought out and made known to the people; Manipuris will remain skeptical of the whole thing.
Calling for a revision of the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement the representation made it clear to the Governor that unless the same is revised the NSCN (IM) cadres would be allowed to open designated camps at different places in Manipur and other neighboring States and this may give rise to unwanted developments.
Hence some points of the ground rules need to be revised to the effect that "NSCN designated camps should not be opened anywhere beyond Nagaland." The modalities of the ground rules were worked out in January this year, it said.
Mentioning that the people of Manipur have long been demanding the amendment of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, the representation suggested that a-High Level Committee or Forum be constituted including learned judges, senior advocates and experts to draft the amendment.
The Committee further suggested that the issue be placed in Parliament in its present sitting.
The representation further said that divide and rule policy will not do anything good and added that withdrawal of the ceasefire extension and preparation for adoption of VIth Schedule for the hill districts on the other hand will only, add tension and unrest.
Granting VIth Schedule could lead to the formation of a Greater Nagaland which has for long been the cherished agenda of the NSCN (IM), said the representation.
The Governor was also urged to ensure that NH-39 and 53 are not disturbed by any section of the people.