Cong asks BJP, CM to clarify on Manipur break-up report
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 01 2023:
Expressing serious concern over recent media report of Kuki MLA Paolienlal Haokip demanding bifurcation of Manipur into three parts to solve the crisis in the state and omission of the clause "protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur" from the SoO ground rules, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has questioned the silence of chief minister N Biren and BJP state president A Sharda on the matter.
Addressing media persons at Congress Bhawan here on Monday, MPCC vice president Hareshwar Goswami said that even as Manipur has been 'burning' since May 3, hundreds of people killed and thousands rendered homeless, Kuki militants continue to attack Meitei villages and Kuki organisations issuing media statements on imminent break-up of Manipur.
He also referred to recent comments by Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip that the current crisis in Manipur can be solved only after the state is bifurcated into three territories for Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis, which was preceded by 10 Kuki MLAs issuing a joint statement for separate administration of the Kukis.
Strongly condemning the MLA's provocative statement, Hareshwar further cited media reports aftermath of the talk between ministry of home affairs' special advisor AK Mishra with UPF representatives Aaron Kip-geh and Sailen Haokip of KNO that "protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur" incorporated in the SoO ground rules has been deleted after the SoO outfits demanded for the same to continue the dialogue process with the government of India.
At this point of time, it is very unfortunate that the chief minister and the BJP state president are remain ing silent, the Congress vice president elaborated.
As the SoO is a tripartite talk process involving armed Kuki militants, government of India and the Manipur government it is obvious that the state government has knowledge about the development.
Therefore, the government of Manipur should clarify to the public report carried in the media.
Reiterating that the government and the BJP should clarify on MLA Paolienlal's separation agenda, he pointed out that the MLA is one of the 10 Kuki legislators who had demanded a separate administration as he was the signatory of the press statement issued in this connection on June 12.Mention may be made that Paolienlal, who shot into the limelight after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, had said the way forward to finding a solution to the state's racial conflict is by creating three separate Union territories.
In a recent interview to PTI, he advocated giving "political and administrative recognition to the ethnic separation" in the state, upping the ante from earlier vaguely explained demands for a "separate administration" for Kuki areas made by fellow Kuki community leaders.
"The way forward, as I see it, is for the Union government to give political and administrative recognition to the ethnic separation, where the state of Manipur is reorganised as three Union territories," Paolienlal told PTI.
Recently, chief minister N Biren had strongly voiced opposition to any moves to "break up" the state, and analysts say the Central government, which is holding talks with Kuki groups - Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples Front, is also against such a formulation.
Critics point out that the formulation would implicitly create separate Naga, Kuki and Meitei territories which would be difficult given the fact that there are mixed populations in many villages and districts.
(With inputs from PTI) .
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