CLP recommits stand to safeguard public interest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2012: With a final settlement to the 15 years long political negotiation between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) reportedly at its concluding stage, the Congress Legislature Party which met today, recommitted itself to protecting the interest of the people.

The CLP also resolved to rally around the Chief Minister in any decision taken to uphold the interest of the people.

With a settlement likely to be arrived before the Assembly election in Nagaland scheduled sometime in March next year, the CLP meeting discussed the likely outcome of the reported settlement as well as the prevailing law and order situation in the State.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that the CLP meeting, presided by the Chief Minister discussed in detail the purported proposal of setting up a body, which would be in a position to by pass the State Government in important matters, pertaining to areas inhabited by the Nagas in Manipur.

CM O Ibobi

Some of the clauses which are likely to be included in the purview of the proposed body include putting the Government employees under the purview of the proposed body and their appointments by passing the State Government as well as taking up development projects outside the ambit of the State Government.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister is reported to have assured the Congress MLAs that even at the cost of his post, he would not commit himself to any pact which would affect the territory or the interest of Manipur, said the source further.

Quoting the Chief Minister, the source said, "I have repeatedly made it clear to the Union Home Ministry as well as other Ministries concerned, that the Government of Manipur can never agree to a model or a proposal which would adversely affect the interest of the State and her people.

Any settlement with the NSCN (IM) should not affect the interest and aspirations of the people of Manipur.

As the leader of the people, I can never give my concurrence to any such proposal" .

Though nothing has been received in writing from the Centre, today's meeting observed that setting up a body which would by pass the State Government in all aspects of administration and governance, would amount to having a dual system of Government within a single State.

This may not mean territorial disintegration but would be something along that line, observed the meeting.

Any model worked out along this line without taking the State Government would not be acceptable, agreed the CLP meeting today.

Unanimously agreeing to back the Chief Minister in his stand for the interest of the people and the State, the Congress Legislature party meeting also minutely discussed the prevailing law and order situation in the State, added the source.