Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, June 29:
Vested interests of both the parties were behind the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) signed in Bangkok on June 14 last, according to Dr.Naorem Sanajaoba, dean of the faculty of law, Gauhati University.
Addressing a press meet this morning, the well-known academician and human rights activist said the neglect by the GoI of Manipur has contributed to the present situation.
Stating that the boundary of Manipur since 1500 AD was clarified by Henry Yule, he said the government of India had time and again shown disrespect for the territorial integrity of Manipur, citing the giving away of Kabaw valley to Myanmar.
He said the territorial integrity of the state is now being compromised to satisfy an outfit whose ideology seems to that of the formation of a Greater Nagaland in the northeast of India.
Though the Manipuris which comprises of all social groups welcome the peace process with the NSCN to bring about a permanent solution to the Naga problem, it should be confined to Nagaland and not interfere with the neighboring states.
He noted that Manipur has always been governed by people from both the hills and the valleys and the first constitutional assembly comprised of all people of Manipur, including 1/3 rd representation from the hill areas.
No one asked for formation of different community based territories but now it is made an issue for politically vested people, he said.