Imphal, October 23: The former chief minister of Manipur, Radhabinod Koijam, has strenuously denied that he had ever agreed to the extension of the ceasefire of the Centre with NSCN (IM) to Manipur.

Radhabinod KOijam, appearing before the Upendra Commission of inquiry today, strongly refuted the news report published to this effect in the Calcutta-based the Telegraph in its March 5 issue.

He also maintained that consultation alone was not sufficient.

If at all ceasefire was to be extended actions under the relevant provisions of the constitutions should be taken as many matters under the State list were to be touched.

He did not barter the interest of the state for any benefit that could be promised or given by the Union home minister or any other leader, he maintained.

He recalled that on June 13, the Samata Party held a political conference at Imphal attended by top Central party leaders and adopted resolutions warning the Centre against extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) into Manipur territory.

He said that on June 14, he left for Delhi, and on the flight, he learnt of the extension of the ceasefire.

He said he then held a press conference and denounced the decision of the Central government, and subsequently gave many interviews in this regard.

He admitted that those persons who died in the incident of June 18 had died for the good cause of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur.

In further cross examination by the counsel of the victims, he charged political leaders of playing toppling games, engineering defections leading to the fall of his government.

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