CM for amicable end to Naga issue, rejects Alternative Arrangement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 06 2013: Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh has claimed to have intimated to the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde that government of Manipur will have no objection to the Centre-NSCN (IM) talks reaching an amicable solution on the vexed Naga political issue but will staunchly oppose any outcome that either threatens territorial integrity of Manipur or is detrimental to the state's interest.

The CM is also said to have outrightly rejected demand by the United Naga Council (UNC) for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur, outside the Government of Manipur, pending solution to the Naga political issue.

Interacting with media persons at his conference hall soon after arrival from New Delhi this afternoon, Ibobi said he accompanied by home minister Deputy CM Gaikhangam had a lengthy discussion with Sushil Kumar Shinde on various issues including possible outcome of the ongoing dialogue between the Central Government and NSCN (IM) and its likely impact, if any, on Manipur's future.

Chief Minister flanked by Dy CM addressing the media

The cordial discussion is said to have centred mainly on the ongoing Centre-NSCN (IM) dialogue on the Naga issue but when the Alternative Arrangement demand by the UNC cropped up the CM firmly asserted that such administrative mechanism is infeasible to the Government of Manipur.

Observing that it would be very remote to expect a definite solution to the vexed Naga political issue ahead of the Nagaland Assembly election as the poll schedule has already been announced, he noted that inspite of the poll process talks are still on.

Besides making it clear to the home Minister that it will not be acceptable to Government of Manipur if any threat is posed to the State's territorial integrity consequent to the Centre-NSCN (IM) talks or its outcome is detrimental to interest of the State, Shinde was also assured that the State Government will provide positive suggestion to facilitate an amicable solution to the Naga issue, said the CM.

Asserting that he declined to make a commitment on the possible outcome of the talks on the ground that until and unless the Naga rebel outfit's charter of demand is made available to the Government of Manipur in clear terms, Ibobi contended that Shinde assured to provide full text of the said charter of demand.

The Home Minister is also said to have urged the CM on the need for all concerned to be more accommodative for facilitating the ongoing peace parley reach an amicable solution to which Ibobi responded by assuring Government of Manipur's contribution to promote peace in the region.

The CM maintained that he sought suggestions from the Central Government to enable the State translate its assurance for enhanced financial and administrative powers to the Autonomous District Councils on the line of Parliament's consent to ADC Act.

With regard to Village Authority Act the Centre was informed on the need to amend certain clause to make the Act more effective, he said.

opining that the North Eastern States could achieve overall development only when there is conducive environment and cordiality amongst the neighbouring States of the region, Ibobi affirmed that the Government is committed to strengthening age-old relationships amongst different indigenous communities settled in Manipur.

Stating that every problem will eventually have a solution, the CM asserted that Manipur will never act against the interest of neighbouring States and expects similar gestures from others.

Clarifying that Manipur is not a party to the current ceasefire agreement between the Centre and NSCN (IM), he further confided that former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir's recent visit to Manipur is to seek the State's support in resolving the Naga issue ahead of the Nagaland Assembly election.

Ibobi said he assured all possible cooperation in promoting peace in the region.