Common future drive discusses framework agreement
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, October 28 2015: As part of the ongoing 'People's movement for common future of Manipur', Chajing Welfare Club, SEMUCO and Star Club, Tangjeng Khunou jointly conducted a public discussion at Tangjeng Khunou, Thoubal under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), United Committee Manipur (UCM) and Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) .

Johnson Elangbam, president, UCM, P Gandhi, secretary AMUCO and Ph Arjun Telheiba, president, CCSK attended the public discussion as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion UCM general secretary YK Dhiren said that the Central Government has been making divergent interpretations of the peace accord signed between the Central Government and NSCN-IM to various communities of the State.

Such ambiguous statements can result in disharmony among the communities.

"People of Manipur irrespective of all the differences have been living in harmony and peace since time immemorial.

We all should uphold the age-old relationship amid this plot to divide the people by the Central Government," Dhiren said.

Common future drive discusses framework agreement

A six-point memorandum stating that the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be compromised under any circumstances was submitted to GoI's interlocutor RN Ravi on September 10 by AMUCO, CCSK and UCM, Dhiren said.

Urging the Government of India to lay bare the details of the framework agreement, UCM president Johnson Elangbam said the Centre must respect the distinct historical identity and political status of Manipur.

He maintained that the framework agreement should not be extended to Manipur as it appears to be a conspiracy among a few for their own benefit.

Manipur, he observed is a multi-ethnic State with people from various communities residing together in peace and harmony.

However, many are attempting to create a divide by driving wedges between the communities.

"NSCN-IM scaled down its demand to greater Nagaland and now the outfit's general secretary is scheming to disintegrate Manipur in search of a political space for himself.

NSCN-IM may be negotiating for maximum autonomy and/or political, social or economic empowerment.

But what is disturbing is the refusal to divulge any detail of the agreement by both the parties", Johnson stated.

"RN Ravi has stated that something must be given, but what is it that should be given to NSCN-IM? We have heard about Nagalim, supra State, alternative arrangement and greater autonomy", Johnson said adding that very little has been divulged about the possible solution to the GOI NSCN-IM peace talk which has been dragging on since 1997.The framework agreement signed between the two sides on August 3 this year has only bred more suspicion and anxiety, he said.

AMUCO, CCSK and UCM are planning a huge public rally in mid-November in association with like-minded civil society organisations to protest the agreement, he continued.