CM fires salvo at PM, Union Ministers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 02 2017: Remarking that what Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated at Imphal during an election rally was unbecoming of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has raised a number of questions regarding the Framework Agreement and the ongoing economic blockade.

He was speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony of Congress candidate in Sekmai AC Khwairakpam Devendro held today at Kanglatongbi Mantri Lampak.

Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many Union Ministers came to Imphal for BJP election campaign and clarified that the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM does not contain anything which may affect Manipur, it still remains highly dubious.

That is why, several civil society organisations, student bodies, and people of both the hills and the valley are quite anxious, Ibobi stated.

Although the Central Government assured that the Framework Agreement would not affect Manipur, Centre's interlocutor for NSCN-IM talk RN Ravi came to the State seeking State Government's cooperation in resolving the Naga problem.

CM fires salvo at PM, Union Ministers

"I told RN Ravi.

We are more enthusiastic to resolve the Naga problem.

We are praying for an early solution.

Tell us exactly what you want.

If it is within our capacity, yes; if it is unacceptable, no", Ibobi recounted.

If the Framework Agreement does not contain anything inimical to the interest of Manipur, then why was RN Ravi sent to Manipur, asked the Chief Minister.

"He (RN Ravi) met not only me.

He also met many several civil society organisations both at Imphal and Delhi.

If the Framework Agreement would not affect Manipur, why did the interlocutor talk with civil society organisations of Manipur", Ibobi continued.

If the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister are sincere enough, just bring out the document signed by RN Ravi and NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should explain to BJP leaders why the Framework Agreement is kept a secret.

Only then, the nagging suspicion of Manipuri people can be put to rest, Ibobi asserted.

It was when BJP's Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister and LK Advani was the Union Home Minister that Manipur was literally put on flames and 18 people lost their lives after the phrase 'without territorial limits' was inserted in the cease fire agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM in 2001 .

Every time BJP came to power at the Centre, they always work to create inter-community conflicts.

Soon after the incumbent BJP Government assumed office, the Framework Agreement was signed consulting neither Manipur nor Assam nor Arunachal Pradesh.

Reacting to Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar's statement, "Let the Chief Minister of Manipur resign and let there be President's Rule in the State; we would get the blockade lifted in two days", Ibobi asked whether such a statement was expected from a Union Minister.

Such statements of the Prime Minister and the Union HRD Minister only exposed that they were using NSCN-IM as a tool in their pursuit for political power in Manipur, Ibobi inferred.

He also lambasted Narendra Modi's announcement that the economic blockade would be lifted on March 13 and people of Manipur can celebrate Yaoshang festival with elan and fervour provided BJP is elected to power.

These statements of the Prime Minister indicated that the economic blockade is being imposed at the behest of BJP in cahoots with NSCN-IM, Ibobi asserted.

He went on to ask whether the economic blockade would go on forever in case BJP does not win the election.

Reacting to the charges of rampant corruption levelled by BJP leaders, Ibobi pointed out that many investigative agencies are at the hands of the Central Government, and added that these agencies may carry out proper investigations.

If any evidence of either the Chief Minister or any Ministers indulging in corruption is found, they may take up necessary action, Ibobi challenged.

But it would be wrong to make all kinds of wild allegations without any basis, he added.

Among others, the flag hoisting ceremony was attended by Minister Ngamthang Haokip, MLA K Ranjit and Kh Devendro.