State Govt oblivious to agreed terms of Naga deal: COCOMI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 03 2019: The Coordinating Committee On Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the State Government held a meeting today in light of the recent development concerning the Naga political solution and the terms agreed among the involved parties, which are mysteriously being kept hidden from the public till date.

COCOMI representatives held a three-hour long meeting with State Government officials and during the meeting, COCOMI urged the Government to hold a Special Assembly session so as to pass a resolution for protecting and safeguarding the integrity of Manipur.

Speaking to media persons following the meeting, COCOMI coordinator Sunil Karam alleged it was learnt during the meeting that the State Government does not have any knowledge about the terms of agreement reached between the Government of India and NSCN-IM on October 31 .

State Govt oblivious to agreed terms of Naga deal: COCOMI

He narrated that an 11- member team of COCOMI, led by himself, took part in the meeting which was chaired by Chief Minister N Biren and participated by his Council of Ministers and MLAs at the CM Bungalow today.

Possible terms of agreement reached between the Centre and NSCN-IM were discussed thoroughly at the meeting, he said.

COCOMI made it clear that it still stands firm on its position not to accept any ethnic based administrative arrangement.

To eradicate people's apprehension, the representa- tives also urged the State Government to hold a special Assembly session, Sunil said, adding that CM Biren assured to hold a special Assembly session at the earliest.

However, Sunil said that the people along with COCOMI will observe whether the Chief Minister will deliver on his assurance or not.

If the Government holds a special Assembly session and adopts a resolution to protect the integrity of the State, COCOMI will extend all possible support to whatever stand is taken by the State Government, he conveyed, adding that the sincerity of the State Government will be known only when it takes such a stance to protect its people.

Sunil said that COCOMI would go ahead with different modes of protest and civil movements as it is the need of the hour in light of the recent developments which have the potential to affect the State.

When asked about the deadline set by COCOMI before the State Government to disclose the terms of agreement reached between GoI and NSCN-IM, Sunil said that the State Government did not have any knowledge about the terms which were supposedly agreed upon between the two parties, and the Central Government too has failed to disclose anything from their side.

He also lamented that the contradictory statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has created apprehension among the people of the State as, on one side an announcement about an agreement being reached between the parties involved was made, while on the other hand Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured to consult the stakeholders before reaching a final solution.

He continued that looking after such contradictions, the State Government must pressure the Centre to disclose the terms of agreement reached on October 31 to the people.

It is high time to convene a special Assembly session and the State Government must show that it stands with the people and their sentiments when it comes to protecting the State and its interests.