Voice of sanity, integrity echoes at 'alert meetings' of COCOMI
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2019:
The Naga Peace talk, which is expected to draw to a conclusion by October end, must not infringe upon Manipur's integrity and all provisions which might affect the State should be dropped, demanded sit-in protests staged across the State today.
Sit-ins were held at many places in Imphal and other districts under the aegis of COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity) which had launched Statewide alert meetings regarding the Naga Peace Talk yesterday.
During a sit-in protest at the office of Poirei Leima-rol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM) at Khoyathong, Imphal, its president L Memchoubi said that the people will not remain mute spectators if the Framework Agreement contains any provision that may harm State's interest.
India Government and the Prime Minister should be held accountable.
The Centre should uphold its words to keep the State's integrity intact, she said.
Expressing apprehension over the expected final agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM, she said that the State Government and all MLAs should openly disclose their positions and stand firm against the looming threat to the aspirations of the people.
The Lup and the people under COCOMI will launch stringent agitations if State's interest is harmed, she said.
Similar protests were held at Konung Leikai and Uripok Khumanthem Leikai organised by Konung Leikai Youth Development Club and Uripok Yambem Leikai Maning and Khumanthem Leikai Apunba Nupi Lup respectively.
Coordinating Body, Khurai also organised a meeting at Sangeet Kala Sangam Hall, Khurai Lamlong.
The meeting demanded exclusion of provisions (from the final pact) that may harm the State's integrity, said a statement of the body.
The final solution between the Government of India and NSCN-IM should not affect the State's financial and social structure, administration and customs.
As the Government of India believes in one Nation one System, it should also ensure one State one System (Government), demanded the meeting.
Clubs, Meira Paibis and various CSOs are jointly organising a mega sit-in protest on October 26 at Lamlong Keithel, said the body.
Bishnupur Meira Paibi, Phumlou Meira Paibi, Wangkhei Meira Paibi and Kwakeithel Meira Paibi Lups also organised similar protest meetings today.
Meanwhile, All Manipur Muslim Organisations' Co-ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) and Meetei Christian Churches Council Manipur said that they welcome the expecting final pact between the NSCN-IM and Government of India provided that it does not affect Manipur's integrity and aspirations.
The final pact should foster peace and harmony.
Any attempt to disintegrate Manipur and disturb peace would be met with extreme agitation and sacrifice, they said in separate statements today.
AMMOCOC also pointed out that formation of a separate administrative structure in the form of Naga Territorial Council would infringe on the State's integrity and its unified structure.
A "brain storming convention" regarding the Framework Agreement will be held on October 25, it said appealing India Government to honour the aspiration of the people of the State.
United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM), in a statement, has also appealed all stakeholders including the Government of India to proceed its ongoing peace talk with "Do no harm" concept.
UNMM fears that the prevailing situation might cause untold miseries and unrest in the minds of the people, it said appealing all to exercise restraint and maintain peace and harmony.
It also appealed the public not to spread or act on rumours which may cause untoward incidents.
Comment
