Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17:
While accusing Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh of adopting an indifferent attitude to the demands raised by the people, Political Parties' Forum Manipur has resolved to submit a memorandum to the Central Government and send a delegation to New Delhi to apprise the central leaders on the prevailing imbroglio in Manipur.
A meeting of the Forum held today and chaired by Federal Party of Manipur president Dr L Chandramani began by observing a two minute silence to mourn the demises of K Memita Devi and Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang during the course of the ongoing agitation.
Members present at the meeting deploring the 'elusive' stand of Govt of India on the demands of the people of Manipur 'which has entered a crucial phase' resolved to intimate and explain the burning issue gripping Manipur to leaders of national political parties, the Government of India, national media and Opposition leaders of the country.
The Forum demanded that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh make a statement in the Parliament on the specific and comprehensive policy of the Centre to resolve the insurgency problem of Manipur while desiring declaration of unilateral ceasefire to pave the way for a peaceful dialogue between the Govt and various insurgent outfits in Manipur to bring everlasting peace.
Taking strong exception against the Chief Minister's Independence Day speech on the role of Opposition parties, a press statement of the Forum contended that Opposition political parties have been taking a constituent stand on lifting the Disturbed Area Status from Manipur and withdrawal of AFSPA from the State of Manipur.
The Forum also charged O Ibobi of rejecting the Opposition proposal to discuss the removal of AFSPA during the all political party meeting convened by the Chief Minister himself.
Moreover, the Chief Minister also rejected opposition parties' demand for convening a House session to discuss the current movement thereby amounting to declining offer for cooperation iterated the Forum.
Not only has the CM backtracked on assurance to convene another all political party but partial withdrawal of the Act was pursued by the Chief Minister in order to serve his political purpose as he had not consulted the opposition parties on the issue, charged the Forum.
Reneging the role and stand of the opposition parties to withdrawal of AFSPA the Forum members at the meeting also resolved to demand clarification for absence of clear cut decision of the Congress, CPI and MSCP on scrapping of AFSPA from the entire State.
The Forum condemning repressive measures adopted by the SPF Govt to suppress mass movement including banning of news channel of local cable network also appreciated the positive coverage of the ongoing movement by both the national and local media.