Naga Peace Accord: Assembly adopts resolution for protecting Manipur's interest, administration
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 31 2015: Manipur Legislative Assembly on Monday adopted a tough resolution to impress upon the Centre to prevent any steps that can impinge upon the territorial integrity and administration of Manipur in signing any peace pact with the NSCN (IM) .

While welcoming the efforts of the Government of India to restore peace in the region, the House also unanimously resolved to urge the Centre to maintain transparency in the Naga peace process and to seek prior consent of the concerned States while making changes in the boundary status and forming new States thereof by making amendments to the Article 3 of the Constitution.

The resolution moved by Chief Minister O Ibobi was minutely discussed by the members.

Ibobi said the Manipur Government positively welcomes the Centre's step which aimed at bringing about peace in the region, but the Naga Peace Accord will not be allowed to affect the interest of the State.

He said Manipur inhabited by different ethnic groups needs peaceful co-existence and asserted that though the peace accord is claimed to be a mere framework by the Centre, the people of Manipur are apprehensive of a possible infringement upon the territorial integrity of the State by the agreement.

MLA Dr I Ibohalbi said implementation of Sixth Schedule in the hills is one of the key demands raised by NSCN (IM).

He cautioned that failing to delve into the issue could spark uncontainable tension in the State.

The Government of India needs to know the history of Manipur and take up the right move after studying the position of the various communities of Manipur before resolving the Naga political problem.

Naga People's Front (NPF) legislator Samuel Risom while taking part in the discussion stated that the Peace Accord is a historic and very important one and that it was a premature move to discuss the agreement before knowing the contents of the framework.

NPF MLA Nunghlung Victor said, "We must warmly welcome the Naga Peace Accord that will usher in peace in the region.

I don't believe there are contents in the accord that could harm the territorial integrity of Manipur.

But there is need to give the rights of the tribal people" .

Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, RD & PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa, MLAs L Ibomcha, Alexander Pao, Th Shyamkumar, Karam Shyam, Dr Ng Bijoy, Nandakumar and K Ranjit also took part in the discussion on the Naga Peace Accord.

Comment