MPP opposes proposed Autonomous Council for Nagas
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 10 2012:
Reacting to media reports on the Government of India's plan to form Autonomous Council for the governance of Naga inhabited areas as a part of its ongoing peace parleys with the NSCN (IM), the Manipur People's Party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang asserted that MPP not only views such a development with all seriousness but will also oppose the move.
Speaking to newspersons at MPP office today, Dr Nimaichand informed that a meeting attended by the members of party's advisory committee, special invitees and office bearers was convened yesterday in which members present strongly criticised the Centre's latest appeasement policy to the rebel outfit.
Stating that former Deputy Chief Minister Dr L Chandramani and former Minister O Joy Singh also attended the meeting, the MPP chief said even though there is no official confirmation on the issue from the Government of India taking into account circumstantial evidences MPP considers the development very seriously.
Construing that the proposed Autonomous Council for the Nagas will certainly provoke North Eastern States whose existing boundaries would be contorted, he stated that the Centre's proposal is yet another affront to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
The joint meeting also resolved to urge Government of India against any decision detrimental to the interest of people of Manipur, Dr Nimaichand informed adding that copies of the meeting resolution would be sent to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Manipur Governor.
Expressing that MPP views the Autonomous Council proposal as the first step towards breaking up Manipur's boundaries, he voiced strong resentment against the attitude of the Centre for appeasing a particular community.
The MPP president also cautioned the Government of India that such NSCN-IM appeasement policy will only lead to a number of incessant issues.