Time to remind Manipur's stand on Naga solution: UCM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 11 2020:
Taking serious note of the news report that the Prime Minister's Office is keen to seal a final solution to the Naga peace talks by September, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has categorically stated that it is crucial to remind New Delhi in unambiguous terms about the position of Manipur with regard to any solution that may be sealed among New Delhi, NSCN-IM and NNPGs.
As resolved at the people's convention held on September 19, 2019 at Lamyanba Shanglen which was also endorsed by the State Government, any Naga Accord must not impinge upon the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur.
A statement issued by the UCM reminded New Delhi about the other principal resolutions adopted at the public convention.
Notwithstanding the Government of India's assurance that the territorial boundaries of Manipur and other North Eastern States would not be altered, prior consent should be obtained from the Government and people of Manipur if there should be any separate political or administrative arrangement within the State of Manipur.
The people of Manipur will never accept integration of Naga inhabited areas, establishment of pan Naga cultural province/territorial council, granting of financial autonomy or any community based administrative arrangement/division.
In case, New Delhi commits the blunder of acceding to NSCN-IM's demands which are strongly opposed, the people of Manipur would take a collective resolution to determine their own future, UCM warned recalling the same resolution adopted on September 19 last year.
When Chief Minister N Biren, Education Minister Th Radheshyam and delegation of COCOMI met Indian leaders on November 25, 2019, the Indian leaders categorically stated that they would first consult the people of Manipur if the Naga Accord would impinge upon the interest of Manipur in any manner.
Apart from the Chief Minister and the Education Minister, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy was also a witness to what the leaders of India assured on the particular day.
It is crucial to inform the PMO, the Prime Minister as well as the Union Home Minister in advance about the non-negotiable position of the people of Manipur before any final settlement is sealed between New Delhi and NSCN-IM.
The UCM then appealed to the Chief Minister, the Education Minister and all the MPs elected from the State to apprise and warn the Government of India against incorporating anything in the Naga Accord which goes against the collective interest of Manipur.
UCM would also send a representation to all relevant leaders of India highlighting all these points.
Pointing out that Manipur now stands on a very decisive juncture, the UCM warned that it would be literally impossible to regain a united Manipur once it is disintegrated.
Kabaw Valley has gone to Myanmar and the neighbouring country has taken over several border areas after shifting boundary pillars and Manipur is unable to take them back.
As such, the best option to protect Manipur is to thwart any possible harm that may be done to the State by the Naga Accord.
Averting a problem is far more better that reconciliation after damage has been already done, UCM asserted.
Epidemics or pandemics like COVID-19 will come and go but Manipur will be gone forever if it is once disintegrated, it warned before asking all the people's representatives to take firm positions on the Naga peace talks before September.
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