Biren optimistic State will be consulted before final pact
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 01 2019:
Chief Minister N Biren has expressed strong optimism that no final solution would be signed between the Central Government, NSCN-IM and NNPGs without first consulting all stake holders including the State Government and the people of Manipur.
Speaking to media persons after coming out from the Kut festival celebrated at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles ground this evening, Biren stated that an all party delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah a few days back and he assured that no final decision would be adopted without first consulting all stake holders of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Central Government is well aware of all the problems and issues of the North East region.
The State Government has full faith in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to the people of Manipur earlier and the Union Home Minister's recent assurance, Biren said.
He then called upon all the people of Manipur to wait and watch until the Union Home Ministry comes out with an official statement.
He also appealed to all the people to maintain calm and sanity in the meantime.
To a query, Biren noted that COCOMI is a united front of several CSOs while the 60 MLAs are the people's elected representatives affiliated to different political parties.
The primary purpose of the elected representatives' visit to Delhi was to protect the territorial boundary and administrative integrity of the State.
But the way COCOMI set a deadline in a manner akin to dictating the Government is rather unfortunate, the Chief Minister lamented.
Details of the Framework Agreement signed in 2015 have not been disclosed till date on the ground that it contains nothing about Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh.
The political dialogue is at the verge of a final settlement and the Central Government has made it clear that all stake holders would be consulted before the final solution is sealed.
As such, it would not be desirable to go to Delhi and urge the same matter repeatedly, Biren said.
He asserted that the Central Government is well aware of the prevailing situation and is deeply concerned with the issue.
No agreement would be signed without consulting stake holders.
If any agreement is signed without consulting the State Government and the people of Manipur, it would be a totally different scene, he added.
"We are also human beings and if the Naga solution should harm Manipur in any manner, I would not hesitate a moment to lay down my life for the cause of Manipur", Biren declared.
Earlier speaking at the evening session of the Kut festival, Biren pledged that he would stand firm against all policies and ideologies aimed at balkanising Manipur on ethnic line.
He also pledged that he would never betray the will and aspiration of the people of Manipur.
He also acknowledged and hailed the contributions made by Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities for the good of Manipur.
Manipur can be a strong and progressive State only when all the communities respect each other, understand each other and take part in development activities collectively, asserted the Chief Minister.
Conveying best Kut wishes to the people of Manipur, particularly, Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities, Biren said it has been learnt that State level Kut festival was celebrated at two different places in the past due to communication gap.
He said that he was gratified on seeing the State level Kut festival being celebrated at a single venue.
He said that he came back from Delhi today to take part in the Kut festival celebration even though he should have stayed back at Delhi for two/three days in view of the restive situation prevailing in the State.
The Shirui Lily Festival 2019 which concluded recently can be assumed as an international festival.
Kut festival too has all the elements for celebration on a much grander scale.
The State Government is ready to extend all possible assistance, Biren said.
The evening session was also attended by Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar, YAS Minister Letpao Haokip, Manipur Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker K Robindro, MLA RK Imo and many other dignitaries.
However, the main attraction of the evening programme was the Miss Kut Contest.
Altogether 21 contestants are vying for the Miss Kut 2019 title.
The evening programme also featured several dance and music items.
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