GoI-NSCN(IM) framework agreement : Apex CSOs reiterate unflinching position on integrity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2015 : Apex civil society organisations of the State � the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), the United Com-mittee Manipur (UCM) and the Committee of Civil Societies, Kangleipak (CCSK), have reiterated that the territorial and administrative boundary of Manipur should not be disturbed under any circumstances.

Briefing media persons at the Lamphelpat office of UCM here today, leaders of the three organisations told what transpired during their meeting with Government of India's Joint Intelligence Committee Chairman and NSCN-IM interlocutor RN Ravi on September 10 .

AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman said that they demanded the Government of India to produce a white paper on the peace process which started since 1997 and the framework agreement signed on August 3, 2015 between the Government of India and NSCN-IM.

Sincere efforts by both the parties towards establishing lasting peace in the region deserve appreciation but any attempt to infringe upon the territory, history and administration of Manipur based on ethnicity would not be tolerated, Dr Mani said.

Interlocutor RN Ravi with NSCN-IM General Secretary Th Muivah (File)

A six-point memorandum was submitted to the interlocutor.

"RN Ravi listened attentively to all our points and arguments.

Nonetheless, we would be closely watching the Government of India's next step", he said.

The peace talk as well as the framework agreement is within the Constitution of India and the peace process would not affect the political boundaries of the neighbouring States, UCM president Elangbam Johnson conveyed as stated by RN Ravi.

Quoting RN Ravi, John-son stated that the Govern- ment of India has recognised the unique history of Naga people and their aspirations.

However, acknowledgement of the unique history of the Nagas and their people does not mean Government of India would facilitate integration of Naga people under a pan-Naga cultural body or through institutional transformation or through any other arrangement.

Because such an arrangement would affect the terri- torial and administrative integrity of neighbouring States including Manipur, Ravi told the civil society leaders.

The Government of India should acknowledge that Manipur has a very long distinctive history and subju- gation of hill people was a baseless allegation, the civil society leaders told the interlocutor.

The interlocutor was also told that the Government of Manipur and all stake holders should be taken into confidence before any final solu- tion is worked out to the political dialogue between Government of India and NSCN-IM.

According to CCSK president P Arjun Tenheiba, RN Ravi was in favour of working out a final solution at the earliest possible time.

The case of Manipur is very tricky and Manipur ought to give something to the Naga people, Arjun conveyed as stated by Ravi.

"Nonetheless we made it clear that any attempt to disturb the territorial and admin- istrative integrity and create divisions in Manipur based on ethnicity would not be tolerated", Arjun said.

UCM secretary general YK Dhiren said that consultative meetings and mass mobilization at local and district levels would be started from today in order to take a common position on the framework agreement.