BJP on Article 371 (A)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23 2018:
BJP State Unit media coordinator Ch Chidananda has claimed that Article 371 (A), which gives special status to Nagas, will not be applicable to other neighbouring States of Nagaland, particularly Manipur.
Speaking to media persons at BJP State unit office today, Chidananda said that the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs tabled a report on the Framework Agreement signed between the Central Government and NSCN (IM), at the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on July 19.The Prime Minister as well as the Central Leaders of the NDA Government have always assured the pepple of Manipur that the Framework Agreement contains nothing which can harm Manipur in anyway, he continued.
Pointing out that it is clear that the report tabled in the Parliament makes no mention of bringing a definite conclusion to the Framework Agreement, he informed that the Chairman of the said Parliamentary Standing Committee (which is comprised of 30 members) is P Chidambaram, from the Opposition Congress party.
Rajya Sabha MP as well as BJP State president K Bhabananda is also a member of the committee, he said and added that people can view the details of the tabled report on the Parliament website as well.
In the report, the Committee also clearly recommended the proper consultation of the stakehholders and the Governments of the neighbouring States, namely Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh before finalising the FA, he claimed.
As the special status under Article 371 (A) is in effect in Nagaland, it is not applicable for the said special status to be implemented in any of the neighbouring States, Chidananda said and added that the State Government and the people will not approve any other step which may keep the territory intact but cause tensions among the diverse communities of the State.