Imphal, April 03 2009: In connection with the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Thoubal district Development and Demand Council has highlighted its viewpoint on numerous issues including the State's territorial integrity, 'limited' political rights of people of the district and jiribam sub-division and the delimitation Act.

In a statement issued by its publicity secretary E Janaranjan, the Council contended that the previous Lok Sabha election scripted a new chapter in the NSCN-IM's relentless effort to create Greater Nagalim in the North East region with the election of UNC sponsored candidate to the Indian Parliament in the 14th Lok Sabha.

The Council while observing that the ensuing 15th Lok Sabha election for the Outer Manipur Constituency some Naga organisations at the behest of the rebel group is certain to sustain the momentum through intense poll campaigning to ensure re-election of the UNC-sponsored candidate further claimed relentless efforts are being made to constrict reach and influence of valley-based NGOs that have been steadfastly opposing realignment of State's boundary.

Referring to the now expunged 2001 Census report as a futile attempt of the NSCN-IM to clear all hurdles lying in the path of the 'Greater Nagalim' aspiration, the publicity secretary nevertheless cautioned that the threat perspective to the state's territorial integrity is not yet over and called upon all concerned to exercise their franchise rights with extreme caution and maturity so as to ensure that age-old cordiality among the people of Manipur do not cease.

It desired that the electorates weigh individual candidate or nominees of political parties who could promote and sustain amity of the State people rather than be swayed by flimsy promises that would remain unfulfilled till such make-believe assurances are made in the next election.

Regarding the controversial 2001 Census Report on which delimitation of Assembly segments of Manipur was supposed to be re-adjusted, the Council pointed to sudden decadal spurt in the population figure in Naga-dominated districts/areas compared to minimal growth in other areas of the State to question legitimacy of the said Census Report.

The fact that Government of India annulled the report do not mean such a nefarious design would not be re-enacted as there is strong possibility of similar attempts when population figure of the State is refreshed through Census exercises in the next few decades.

Regarding people of Thoubal district and Jiribam sub-division not allowed to contest Parliamentary elections even though voting right is gauranteed, the Council opined such discrimination is yet another reminder of continuous threat posed to the territorial integrity of Manipur as impracticable political rights mean there is every chance chunk of the valley people would have to helplessly observe disintegration of the State's boundary.

Substantiating the Council's apprehension, Janaranjan mentioned that when someone whose loyalty to interest of manipur is questionable, is sent to the Indian Parliament there is no gaurantee the country's policy makers would be misled with the intention of furthering the Nagalim agenda.

It may be mentioned that electorates in seven Assembly segments of Thoubal district one in Jiribam sub-division cannot contest Parliamentary elections even though these assembly constituencies are included in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

Further noting that Article 3 and 4 of the Indian Constitution enshrines provision for creation of new States through redrawing of existing boundaries as had been witnessed in the case of Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Chhattisgarh, the Council called upon the masses particularly civil society organisations to remain vigil and be abreast of every situation.

It also cautioned the Government of india that repetition of the June 18 people's movement in denunciation of the centre's alleged NSCN-IM appeasement policy could not be ruled out in case hasty of decision disregarding territorial integrity of Manipur.

Comment