Imphal, July 21: Prime Minister AB Vajpayee today assured the United Committee, Manipur delegates that the Centre will take a final decision on the NSCN (IM) cease fire extension without territorial limits by July 31 at the latest after the North East Chief Minister meeting slated on July 27.The UCM delegates made it clear to the Prime Minister that the people of Manipur would continue with their agitation against the geographical expansion of the cease fire until it is totally and unconditionally revoked from the state.

A statement issued by the UCM from Delhi today said that the PM assurance to complete the review process by July 31 was given when an 11 member delegates called on him this noon.

The meeting which lasted a good one hour was attended by Home Minister LK Advani, MoS for Home ID Swami, Union Home Secretary Kamal Pandey and top officials of the Home Affairs.

Prof.N Sanajaoba apprised the PM of the present ground realities, its political history and the latest situation.

He categorically stated that the people of Manipur cannot accept the� illegitimate extension of Nagaland cease fire in the territory of Manipur� and that nothing less than the immediate and total withdrawal of the cease fire can restore the confidence of the people.

In the presence of the Union Home Minister the UCM delegates squarely blamed the Union Home Ministry including the Minister for fomenting internal turmoil in the North East specially Manipur.

In the light of the present NSCN (IM) appeasement policy, RK Ranendrajit pointed out the need to take a fresh look into the counter insurgency policy in the North East.

Responding to the Prime Minister�s appeal to stop the agitation in view of the assurances given to review the cease fire agreement including the phrase �without territorial limits�.

Dilipkumar said that 37 days have already lapsed since the June 18 uprising and that despite the assurance of LK Advani that the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be disturbed the cease fire has been extended.

The UCM delegates expressed displeasure with the PM and the HM for taking the June 18 uprising too lightly though 14 person were killed in the uprising.

The UCM delegates included S Jadumani, Udoi Thongam, Kh Ratan, RK Ranendrajit, Prof N Sanajaoba, H Ibotombi Khuman, Y Dilipkumar, RK Anand, NS Heikrujam, L Jadumani and Babloo Loitongbam.

Meanwhile the All Manipur Action Committee of Lawyers� Forum called on the Prime Minister today at about 12.30 pm.

The meeting lasted for about an hour during which the lawyers briefed the PM of the situation in the State following the Centre�s decision to extend the cease fire to the territory of Manipur.

A ten paged memorandum was also submitted to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister assured the lawyers that the process of reviewing the cease fire agreement would be completed by July 31.The memorandum submitted to the PM demanded the complete and immediate withdrawal of the cease fire extension or to add another clause excluding the territory of Manipur fro the ambit of the cease fire extension.

The lawyers also pressed for the amendment of Article 3 of the Constitution to protect the territorial integrity of the state.

Comment