MPP demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 20 2012: Asserting that the 'secretive manner' of the talks between GoI and NSCN (IM) is questionable, the Manipur People's Party (MPP) has urged the Government of India to engage the Government of Manipur in the talk, which reportedly is in the 'final settlement stage,' so as to make the talk a tripartite one as the core issues raised by the NSCN (IM) involve Manipur.

A statement issued by the vice-president of MPP, Heigrujam Nabashyam pointed out that it is time the Government of Manipur should join the talk as it has reportedly reached the stage where the interests of Manipur is blatantly put on the table.

The MPP equated the secretive approach of the GOI in dealing with the NSCN (IM) which centres around Manipur in all aspects with the early 20th century phenomenon of the Shimla Agreement 1914 that had drawn the Mc Mohan Line between India and Tibet where no Tibetans or Indians were present.

On the alleged off and on selective leaks to the media by the Home Ministry about the possible 'final settlement stage' that make the public on both sides of the divide excited and suspicious, the MPP also urged the GoI not to make any harmful selective leaks that might lead to public disturbance.

The MPP further cautioned the Government of India not to take any ill-informed or unqualified decision that would threaten the social fabric of the North East region and Manipur in particular.

Pledging to extend cooperation to male the talk a tripartite, democratic and successful one in the interest of the North East and the Nation, the MPP also solicited supports and cooperation from the public and stake holders, including civil society organisations of all communities across the board to find a way out of unwanted situation.

The MPP also posited that the political aspiration of NSCN (IM) cannot override the wider public interests of the region�peaceful coexistence of the different communities of the region.

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