Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16:
Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly today marched to the Imphal Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Governor Ved Marwah demanding a review of the decision taken by the Centre to extend the Naga cease-fire to Manipur.
The memorandum signed by 14 legislators expressed their strong opposition to the Centre�s decision.
During the Meeting the Governor assured the legislators� delegation the �the territorial integrity of Manipur is sacrosanct and will be maintained at all cost.� The Governor also appealed to all not to do anything or say that can inflame public sentiments.
�In a manner of speaking, what has happened is that peace has been given a chance for another year in this region, though everyone may not agree with all the provisions of the peace process,� the Governor said.
The memorandum said the MLAs expressed a deep sense of resentment and people feel that they are betrayed by the extension of the cease-fire to Manipur despite assurances given by the Prime Minister.
�The government and people of Manipur, the political parties, non-political social organizations including youth, students, women and social activities have expressed their firm commitment to the territorial integrity of Manipur through various mammoth rallies, demonstration and resolutions.
The people have been consistently opposed to the arbitrary extension of the cease-fire to Manipur,� the memorandum said.
The legislators urged the Governor to convey the strong feeling of the people of Manipur and the demand for reviewing of the decision on the truce having no territorial limits.
The memorandum also demanded that any political settlement arrived at between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) should not adversely affect the territorial aversely affect the territorial integrity of Manipur, as repeatedly assured by Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
Stating that he can understand the strong feelings the governor said he would like to assure them that �I and my colleagues are with you when you say that the territorial integrity of Manipur is sacrosanct and will be maintained at all cost.� Marwah, however, said there can be no difference of opinion that peace is absolutely essential for the process of development to restart Manipur.
Only through development we can address the many difficult problems of the Manipuris.
�Ultimately, we have only one common aim in view, and that is the interest of the people of Manipur.
Only this aim should be uppermost in our mind before we take any precipitate action.
You, as the representatives of the people, owe this to the people.
You have a bigger responsibility in this context,� he told the delegation.
The submission of the memorandum followed yesterday�s meeting of legislators.