Region's fate not in IM's hand: Judge (retd) Upendra
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 13 2013 : Cautioning that the Central Government would repent due to its misconception that outcome of the ongoing talks with the NSCN (IM) would be able to restore normalcy in the North Eastern region, Judge (retd) C Upendra today opined that the Centre is still naive on the region's complex geo-political paradigm.

Speaking as chief guest at the 3rd foundation day celebration of People's Action of National Democratic Movement (PANDM) at Yaiskul Police Lane MDU hall today, Upendra mooted that the Central Government needs a detailed briefing about the multi-ethnic composition of the NE societies and diverse aspiration and interest of the region's indigenous people.

Regretting that the Government of India patronising the naga rebel group has emboldened the latter to make unilateral and audacious claims that pose great threat to the region's present geo-political status, he also lamented that NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah has been betraying his place of birth and attempting to distort centuries old history of Manipur.

Expressing that the NSCN (IM) leader will not gain anything by being a part of the sinister ploy to disintegrate Manipur, Upendra also categorically pointed out that demands for Supra State Body and Alternative Arrangement is a clear indication that Government of Manipur has compromised its territory and its administration remain confined to the valley pockets only.

Alleging prolonged discrimination of manipur and its people by the Government of India, he affirmed that Manipur too needs special consideration and its voice taken into account before any decision is arrived at with the rebel outfit.

Further construing that the Centre's favourable disposition towards the NSCN (IM) is akin to asking people of Manipur to prepare for existence as a separate entity, Upendra reminded that it is the responsibility of the Central Government whether or not it is willing to safeguard/preserve its territory boundary of the post-independence period.

asking the Centre to take all necessary precaution rather than create chaos in the region by virtue of its hasty decision and please-NSCN (IM) attitude, the chief guest said Government of India would face an embarrassing situation in case people of Manipur insisted that its ancient boundary stretching from Brahmaputra to Kabaw Valley should be restored.

Referring to reported assertion by the former MP Mani Charanamei that there are designated camps of NSCN (IM) in Ukhrul, chandel and Tamenglong districts of Manipur, the legal advocate construed that reluctance of the State Government to acknowledge existence of rebel group's camps is a testimony of the Government's helplessness on the issue.

Ridiculing accusations from certain quarters that the majority community had been depriving tribal people of their rights, he reminded that affairs of Tribal Development department has been a domain and prerogative of tribal legislators.

Rather than unjustifiably blame the majority community for lack of development in the hill areas, tribal people should enquire where and how tribal development funds have been utilised in the last few decades and ponder who is actually responsible for their economic deprivation, Upendra suggested.

In his address, PANDM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar expressed that the people of Manipur are gripped with anxiety of whether or not manipur's territorial integrity would be compromised in trying to reach a settlement with the NSCN (IM) .

Opining that lack of clarity on the possible outcome of the Naga political dialogue inspite of over a decade of negotiations is an indication that Manipur's interest is at stake, he exhorted that only through unity of the people of Manipur all nefarious agenda of the Centre could be effectively thwarted.

Asking the Government of Manipur to reaffirm the people's stand to the Centre that there should be no compromise of Manipur's territorial integrity consequent to outcome of the talks with the Naga rebel group, Dilipkumar called upon the people to remain vigilant to face all eventualities.

The foundation day celebration of PANDM, a major component organisation of UCM, was also attended by representatives of several civil society organisations.

Among others IPSA advisor H Ibotombi Khuman and Kanglamei president Y Leirikleima also addressed the gathering.

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