Campaign for common future of Manipur goes on
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kakching, November 02 2015: As part of the ongoing People's Movement for Common Future of Manipur, YOC Yangdong, MPA Thounaojam, RDO and Thounaojam Yangdong Meira Paibi jointly organised a one-day public discussion on Monday at Thounaojam Yangdong Community hall under the aegis of AMUCO, UCM, and Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) .

AMUCO Vice-President Ph Deban, CCSK President Arjun Telheiba and UCM Secretary General Yk Dhiren attended the discussion as presidium members.

Speaking at the gathering, CCSK President Advocate P Arjun alleged that from Naga sovereignty, the NSCN (IM) had scaled down its demand to greater Nagaland and now the outfit's General Secretary has been scheming to disintegrate Manipur in search of a political space for himself.

With the possibility of greater Nagaland ruled out, NSCN (IM) may be negotiating for maximum autonomy or political, social or economic empowerment.

But what is disturbing is the refusal to divulge any details of the peace accord by both the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on the framework of the Peace Accord signed between two parties, he said.

"RN Ravi was saying that something must be given but we are asking what is that should be given to NSCN (IM).

We have heard about Nagalim, supra State, alternative arrangement and greater autonomy", Arjun stated.

However, very little has been talked about special economic package for the hill districts of Manipur which would be acceptable to all stake holders.

"Our stand is very clear.

Manipur's territorial integrity should not be disturbed under any circumstances.

To us, breaking apart India is a better option than disintegrating Manipur", he asserted.

AMUCO Vice President Ph Deban said that the dialogue would not bring anything positive and this is indicated by the way how the peace accord is being kept as a closely guarded secret.

He also stated that Manipur is not exclusive for any single community.

It is the common home for all the indigenous communities.

The dialogue between NSCN (IM) and Government of India may have serious ramifications on Manipur politically, economically and socially.

Even if it is presumed that maximum autonomy is granted on ethnic lines at the cost of Manipur's territorial, emotional and administrative integrity, benefits of such an arrangement would be reaped only by a handful of leaders or elites, he pointed out and asserted, "As such, we must not tolerate any challenge to the territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur".

People need to think of unity instead of inciting communal feelings and called on all the communities to love each other and bring peace and unity in Manipur, Deban said.

UCM General Secretary YK Dhiren stated that the meeting was organised with a view to launch a collective movement against possible impact of the framework agreement signed by Government of India and NSCN (IM) on the future of Manipur and the age-old relationship shared different communities of the State.

He appealed all the people of Manipur to be vigilant so that they do not fall prey to any conspiracy.

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