'SoO rules don't permit homeland'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01, 2012: Ground rules agreed between the Government of India, Government of Manipur, UPF and KNO as written in the tripartite SoO pact do not permit carving out any separate State or homeland.

Meanwhile, the State Cabinet is likely to hold a meeting on December 3 and discuss about extension of SoO pact as well as the primary demands of UPF/KNO ahead of the scheduled tripartite meeting with representatives of KNO/UPF and the Government of India at New Delhi on December 5. SoO ground rules clearly laid down that the tripartite peace talk should be within the Constitution of India and it should not disturb the territorial integrity of Manipur in any manner, said a Home Department official.

KNO's demand for political dialogue and Zalengam obviously entails a separate Chief Minister and it directly defies the SoO ground rules.

UPF's demand for a Kuki homeland within the territory of Manipur also implies two Chief Ministers within Manipur.

As such, both the demands defy SoO pact and its ground rules, the official remarked.

Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has categorically stated that keeping status quo of the territorial integrity of Manipur is clearly laid down in SoO ground rules.

The Cabinet meeting scheduled on Monday would study the demands of KNO/UPF and initiation of political dialogue.

At the initiation of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, New Delhi has agreed to have political dialogue with KNO/UPF.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also given its assurance to send its officials to Imphal and work out modality of the proposed political dialogue.

Comment