Proposed delimitation process on 2001 census
UCM speaks out against move
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 03 2020:
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has denounced the planned delimitation based on 2001 census asserting that the delimitation based on a "controversial" census would not reflect the true purpose of the process.
Speaking on the 20th foundation day of the UCM at its office, the committee's president Sunil Karam said that the delimitation must be conducted based on the 2021 census.
A delimitation based on the 2021 census, which will incorporate Aadhaar in its process, is what people of the State want, Sunil asserted.
The 2001 census contains "abnormal data" (abnormal population growth), he said hinting that the data (of the 2001 census) is not reliable and would compromise the objective of the delimitation.
Sunil further stated that the Government of India and Manipur Government should not take any political move that may attract public outcry and protests in the State amid the COVID-19 issue.
Carrying forward the delimitation based on the controversial 2001 census amid the pandemic would worsen the crisis at hand.
The Indian Government should not make such a move, he said.
Commenting on the present political state of Manipur, Sunil said that the State should not let outside forces interfere and solve internal matters.
The issues core to the State should be solved internally.
Being dependent on others will not help save the State, he said.
It has been over 22 years that the India Government and NSCN (IM) are in talks for peace.
The talks between the two have often threatened peace and integrity of the State.
As a permanent solution is yet to be reached, people of the State should remain vigilant to face any threat that may compromise the State's integrity and peace, he said adding UCM is against a solution that compromises interest of any community or State concerned.
About the peace talks, UCM's secretary general Khuraijam Athouba maintained that the recent visit of the Nagaland Governor and Government of India interlocutor for the peace talks, RN Ravi to the State has caused apprehension among the people.
Stating that the reason for the visit and meeting of RN Ravi with Governor Najma Heptulla has not been made public, he said the secretive meeting has left the people of the State in the dark.
For people of Manipur, RN Ravi is a person who has threatened their integrity and peace at many instances, asserted Athouba.
The Centre has also extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland for another six months and this has clouded the Centre's objective about the peace talks.
The Centre's message to the people is not clear and has left many questioning the Centre's intention regarding the peace talks, he said.
To bring about a permanent solution and peace to prevail in the region, all stakeholders concerned should talk and understand each others' concerns and interests.
RN Ravi or the Government of India cannot bring the desired solution.
The issues can only be solved when all sit together and study the concerns each have, Athouba said.
Athouba also commented on the present political state and pointed out that the elected leaders should refrain from indulging in power struggle for personal reasons.
They should rather take a stand based on people's interest, he said.
He further asserted that the "people of the State cannot forgive" the Government for "dragging" Leishemba Sanajaoba into joining BJP and electing him as a Member of Parliament demeaning the sanctity of the king.
An official website of the UCM - www.unitedcommitteemanipur.com was also launched at the event.
Sunil Karam hoisted UCM's flag to mark the foundation day.
UCM Consultative Committee members Yumnamcha Dilip Kumar and L Jadumani among others attended the event.
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