UCM backs boycott Sonia call
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 10 2010: Endorsing the call to boycott the visit of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Manipur on November 12, United Committee Manipur (UCM) has announced that it will support the State-wide general strike being called by various social organisations in protest against India Govt's silence on the whereabouts of the arrested UNLF chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima.

In a statement, UCM observed that boycott of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's visit to Manipur by various social organisations whose demand to reveal the whereabouts of Sanayaima has not been heeded all these time is but natural.

UCM pointed out that even though Sanayaima is the leader of an insurgent group fighting against India for self-determination of Manipur, he is still a Manipuri, a citizen of India.

So, India can initiate necessary trial in accordance with the law of the land.

Any attempt to conceal the whereabouts of an arrested person is a crime against humanity and would never be condoned by the International community.

Bangladesh, which is a partner in this crime, should also understand this fact.

Recalling that many prominent Indian Army officers and Governors who have been posted in Manipur have admitted that the problem of insurgency in Manipur could be resolved only through a political dialogue, UCM pointed out that Sanayaima is one such leader who had proposed plebiscite under UN norms to decide the future of the Manipuri people.

If the Govt of India believes in the principle of democracy, then such a leader should be given due respect instead of concealing his whereabouts, UCM said.

On the other hand, the Govt of Manipur should not continue to live under the impression that it can win over the hearts of the people by keeping quiet on the pretext of waiting for news from Delhi.

It would be wiser for the State Govt to understand the sentiments of the people and take up necessary measures and help trace the arrested UNLF chief.

Comment