Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 28 2010:
While expressing scepticism of any successful outcome of the agreement reached between the Governments of India and Myanmar, the proscribed RPF has suggested that focus now should have been on addressing the shortages of essential commodities faced by the people of Manipur.
Contending that taking advantage of Myanmar leader General Than Shwe's visit to India, Indian leaders attempted to project insurgency movement in Manipur as acts of terrorism, an RPF statement issued by its Publicity secretary T Leisemba expressed confidence that no effort of Govt of India to tarnish the revolutionary campaign would fructify as history of Manipur needs no introduction to Myanmar.
Moreover, manipur's relationship with the people of myanmar had been in existence for ages and the neighbouring country is also aware of India's plot to create divisions in Myanmar, claimed Leisemba.
Accusing India of being indifferent to the suffering of the people of Manipur and contending that fate of Manipuris cannot be decided by policy makers of India, the secretary suggested that rather than mislead Myanmar on the ongoing armed campaign, efforts should have been to procure essential commodities from the neighbouring country.
Highlighting that owing to blockade imposed on both the national Highways, food shortage crisis is being endured by the people, the RPF statement insisted that the need of the hour is ensuring adequate supply of essential items to the people of Manipur rather than sign deals to stop transborder movement of insurgents and arms for such an agreement is certain to fail as maintaining vigil at over 300 kilometres of porous border with Myanmar is a pipe dream.
govt of India should have capitalised on Than Shwe's visit to strengthen economic relationships on a long term basis which in turn could have demonstrated that the Centre do empathise with the suffering of people of manipur, Leisemba opined.
Since Manipur is a land locked State and is subjected to frequent disruptions food supply routes, policy makers of India should have a realistic vision to ensure activities of vested elements do not imperil the masses, the RPF statement maintained.
(More tomorrow) .