CM reaffirms Govt's egalitarian policy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 28 2012: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has asserted that as Manipur is home to various ethnic communities with different religious beliefs and interest every endeavour or policies of the Government must incorporate holistic approach to accommodate interest of cross-section of the society.

Speaking to The Sangai Express on his return from new Delhi today, Ibobi said his Government is committed to fulfilling aspirations of all the communities based on the principle of composite development instead of partisan measures which would strain inter-community relationships.

The CM, who had been in the national capital for the last few days, in connection with the ongoing consultation between the Central Government representatives and Chief Ministers of three North east States with regard to resolving the Naga issue, also affirmed that he has not yet given any commitment on the issue.

Media reports had hinted at special administrative and economic policies for the Nagas settled in the three NE States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and consequently holding talks with CMs of the said States.

(File Pic) Chief Minister O Ibobi addressing Cong workers

Noting that media reports on the said issue had been creating a tense situation in the region, especially Manipur, Ibobi iteirated that whether or not Govt of Manipur would approve the Centre's special arrangement for Nagas settled outside Nagaland has not been disclosed to the Central Government.

stating that during his latest visit to Delhi he met Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for the third time within this month, the CM said he expects another missive from the Union Minister within a day or two.

He also confided that his latest meeting with Sushil Kumar Shinde figured some points on which the Centre is planning to resolve the decades old Naga political issue but the Central Government had not listed what it wants from the State to amicably end the issue.

Insisting that as the Centre is yet to confirm in written form on what points the Naga will be solved the State's Cabinet sub-committee as well as the Cabinet had not deliberated on the issue as yet, Ibobi opined that without a clear understanding of the points discussion on the same would be irrelevant.

Inspite of prevailing uncertainties the State Cabinet has held discussion on some possible points and subsequently formed the sub-committee to continuously monitor the situation, he maintained while conveying that stand of the State Cabinet and sentiment of the people of Manipur are being intimated to the Union Home Minister whenever possible.

According to the Chief Minister, the State Cabinet had already resolved to oppose any move by the Central government considered detrimental to the interest of Manipur.

Pointing out that the Central Government had already assured that Manipur's territorial integrity would not be compromised in solving the Naga issue, Ibobi expressed confidence that the Centre would not betray people of Manipur.