Integrity of Manipur is sacrosanct: Orgns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 26 2020: A day ahead of Amit Shah's visit to the State and his meeting with several CSOs (civil society organisations) likely on Naga peace talks, many organisations and clubs today stated their stand and reminded all concerned that the State's interest must not be hurt in any way when finding a lasting solution to vexed issue.

Anticipating that the meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and representatives of CSOs may revolve around the peace talk between NSCN-IM and the Government of India, the organisations/clubs in separate statements cautioned the State Government and all parties concerned that they must understand and reflect people's sentiment when they proceed with the meeting.

The CSOs concerned should not push own new demands that may undermine the existing stand of the people with regard to the State's unity and integrity, they said.

South Eastern United Clubs' Organisation (SEUCO), Imphal East in their statement said that the visit of Amit Shah should not hurt Manipur's integrity.

The BJP-led State Government should ensure that the visit and the meeting never hurt the sentiments of the people and unity.

People of Manipur are apprehensive of the visit and are ready to face challenges that may threaten the State's integrity and structure, SEUCO said.

On August 4, 1997, lakhs of people under the banner of AMUCO (All Manipur United Club's Organisation) had rallied in Imphal for the State's-integrity.

Again, on June 18, 2001 there was a massive mass movement which had clearly shown people's sentiments in connection with the talks between the NSCN-IM and Government of India.

The Centre should give assurance beforehand that the visit of the Union Minister in any way would not hurt the integrity of the State and the State Government should make known the reason for his visit.

If the visit affects the interests of the people, the people will not remain mute spectators.

The State Government should be held accountable if the Government of India acts on the behest of the NSCN-IM and affects people's interest and the State's integrity, said SEUCO.

People of the State are firmly standing for Manipur's integrity and are ready to face all challenges to protect her interests.

The Union Home Minister and the State Government should understand people's sentiments and act accordingly.

He (Amit Shah) should be shown the united stand of the people.

The meeting should not dwell on other issues concerning individual communities which may undermine the larger issue at hand, added SEUCO.

Imphal East United Clubs' Organisation in its statement said that CSOs should not push for new demands instead they should show that people are firm on their united stand for the State's integrity.

Pushing for new and parochial demands during the meeting with the Union Minister may project a divided Manipur.

The CSOs should stick to their earlier decisions and exhibit unity.

Instead of placing a bunch of new demands before the Union Minister, he should be shown that the people of Manipur are firmly standing their ground for unity and integrity, said the organisation.

Social United Clubs' Organisation also reiterated that Amit Shah's visit must not hurt State's interests and said that the organisation will not support any new demand that may be forwarded by the CSOs before understanding them.

It also stated that the State Government should apprise the Government of India not to arrive at any solution that may affect the State's integrity and interests.

The Northern United Clubs' Organisation (NUCO) asserted that Amit Shah's scheduled visit and meeting with the CSOs indicate that the interest of Manipur may be affected in bringing about the final solution to the Naga issue.

When the NNPGs had stated that their demands would rest well within the State of Nagaland, the demands of the NSCN-IM on the other hand extend beyond Nagaland and affect Manipur.

People should remain vigilant and ready for united actions to save the State's integrity and interests, said NUCO.

NUCO also stated that the earlier demands and stand of the AMUCO and others to protect the State's structure and integrity cover all grounds and there is no need for pushing new demands.

It also appealed the CSOs concerned not to push own demands that may affect the State's integrity.

Meanwhile, the United Clubs' Organisation of Bishnupur District said that concealing the agenda for Amit Shah's visit has created apprehension among the people in connection with the Naga peace talks.

The agenda for the visit and the meeting with CSOs have not been made public and this has caused people to be apprehensive about whether the visit is in line with the Centre's objective to conclude the peace talks and if the final solution affects Manipur's integrity.

To appease an armed group or a community, the Government of India must not hurt the sentiments and interests of the people of Manipur.

It must never try to divide the people and go against their will.

All concerned should also not devise own new demands that may undermine the already existing stand of the people for the State's unity and integrity, it added.

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