On way to Delhi CM vows to safeguard integrity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26 2017: Categorically stating that the territorial integrity is dearer than his own life, Chief Minister N Biren has vowed to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost.

"Not a piece of the State's territory would be compromised and that is the commitment of the incumbent Government", Biren asserted while briefing media persons at Imphal airport this afternoon before leaving for Delhi.

Together with Works Minister Th Biswajit, the Chief Minister left for Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, President Pranab Mukherjee and BJP National president Amit Shah and discuss key issues of the State.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Y Khemchand and BJP Manipur Pradesh president K Bhaba-nanda have already reached Delhi.

On way to Delhi CM vows to safeguard integrity

Responding to queries raised by media persons, Biren stated that what NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah stated on the Framework Agreement was some- thing he claimed on his own.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath had clarified repeatedly that the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM would not impinge upon the territorial integrity of Manipur in any manner.

Moreover, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a clarification to this effect yesterday.

"Whether it be the Framework Agreement or be it any issue, the territorial integrity of Manipur is dearer than my own life, the territorial integrity of the State will be protected at any cost", Biren pledged.

He further exuded confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take pro-active roles toward resolving the key issues of the State.

On being enquired about the ILPS issue, the Chief Minister remarked that the particular group which spearheaded the demand for ILPS had been silent since the run up to the Assembly election.

Nonetheless, as a new Government has been established, all stake holders would be consulted and the Government would see what can be done to resolve the issue.

To a query concerning independent MLA Ashab Uddin, elected from Jiribam AC, the Chief Minister pointed out that people have already elected him and he was elected as Pradhan two times earlier.

"People of Jiribam AC have already elected Ashab Uddin and what shall I do?" Biren asked.

"Ashab Uddin is a citizen of India and Manipur and what can we do when he decides to contest elections", he added.