Ibobi meets PM, HM; demands copy of Naga Accord
Source: The Sangai Express / Manipur Info Centre/PTI

New Delhi, August 08 2015 : The Centre today assured Manipur that its interests will be fully protected while signing the final agreement with NSCN-IM.

This was conveyed by Union Home Minister Raj-nath Singh to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh when the latter met him here.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh in connection with the Naga Peace Accord.

During the meeting with the Home Minister at his residence at 17, Akbar Road here at 11.20 am, interlocutor of Naga Peace talk RN Ravi also attended.

In the meeting, Manipur Chief Minister demanded a copy of the Naga accord from the Union Home Minister.

He informed the Union Home Minister that the people of Manipur were anxious to know the details of the Naga Peace Accord and had the apprehension that it would affect the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh replied that the Accord was just a framework.

It would not affect the territorial boundary of the neighbouring States of Nagaland.

He further stated that the Government of India would invite the State Governments for discussion while working out the final shape of the accord.

Chief Minister O Ibobi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Rajnath Singh told O Ibobi Singh that the Central Government has made it clear to NSCN-IM that their main demand of integration of Naga inhabited areas would not be met but more powers would be given to local bodies like autonomous district councils, the sources said.

While meeting with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at his residence at 7, Race Course Road at 1.20pm; Manipur Chief Minister was informed that everything would be discussed with the State Governments concerned before finalization of the accord.

During the meetings, Manipur Chief Minister placed before them the existing Acts namely Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas) Act 1956; Manipur Land Revenues and Land Reforms Act 1960; Manipur ( Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and Manipur Legislative Committee( Hill Areas Committee) Order 1972 passed by the Parliament for administration of hill areas in Manipur, protection of customary laws, legislative protection to the interests of hill areas and prevention of tribal land alienation.

The Manipur Chief Minister, along with his counterparts in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, had protested for not having consulted the neighbouring States of Nagaland before signing the initial accord with NSCN-IM on Monday.

The NSCN-IM, which had given up its original demand of sovereignty a few years ago, has been asking for integration of Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

All three States are opposed to the outfit's demand.

Sources said the Home Minister explained to the Chief Minister that a framework has been laid in Monday's agreement and the final pact will be signed only after detailed discussions in coming months.

TR Zeliang also separately met the Prime Minister here during which the issue related to the Naga peace accord was discussed.