Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 11:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) has categorically stated that India Government has no right over the territory of Manipur while opposing any move to compromise with the territorial integrity of the State to appease the NSCN(I-M).
In a statement issued today, UCM secretary general Gourashyam Khoirom said Manipur has a unique history of its own before its merger with India.
The territorial integrity of Manipur was shaped by the forefathers and it is the wishes and aspirations of the people to bequeath the same to the future generation, the statement said, adding that Manipuri people have always opposed any move to compromise with the boundary of the State.
The stand of the Manipuri people has been made very clear to the Indian Government and it ought to respect the sentiments of the people as well as the assurances given in the past to protect the territory of Manipur.
While recalling the intense agitations launched by the people of Manipur which ultimately forced the Government of India to retract its stand of extending the ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) to Manipur, UCM cautioned the Indian Govt against committing such blunder again.
Questioning the rationale behind the demand for integration of all Naga-dominated areas for formation of a proposed Greater Nagaland, UCM wondered whether the Manipuri people can also claim parts of Bangladesh inhabited by Manipuris as their own land.
UCM further said that the people of Manipur would always like to maintain cordial relationship with the neighbouring people.