BJP should be held accountable: MPCC chief
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 21 2019: MPCC president and Congress Working Committee (CWC) Member Gaikhangam has categorically stated BJP which is in power both at the Centre and the State should be held accountable if the solution to Naga peace talk affects Manipur in any manner.

Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan here today, Gaikhangam expressed keen desire for the State BJP leaders to make a bold declaration that they can resign from the party if the final agreement of the Naga peace talk impinges upon the interests of Manipur.

BJP should be held accountable: MPCC chief

People are now quite apprehensive about what would happen to Manipur when the final agreement is signed, he noted.

Congress party has no objection to any peace deal signed between the Government of India and any militant group but it is the party's firm resolution that any such peace deal must not infringe on Manipur and the interests of Manipuri people, Gaikhangam asserted.

Many State BJP leaders including Chief Minister N Biren stated that there was nothing to be worried about the Framework Agreement for it would not affect Manipur as and when it is implemented.

But people would like to know the reasons that compelled the Chief Minister to rush to Delhi yesterday, he said.

People have not forgotten what BJP leaders of the State said about the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

They said that there is nothing to be feared about CAB for a special provision would be inserted to protect the indigenous people of Manipur, Gaikhangam pointed out.

But people of Manipur are quite worried that the final agreement that the Naga peace talk may have far-reaching impacts on the State.

If the final agreement contains anything which infringe upon Manipur and its interest, BJP which is in power both at the Centre and the State should be held accountable, asserted the CWC Member.

The BJP-led Government deliberately did not listen to what Congress party said with regard to different issues of the State from time to time.

Nonetheless, as a responsible political party, Congress party's position with regard to different major issues is very clear.

People would like to see a courageous declaration from BJP State leaders that there is no point of having a Government in the State and that they would resign from the party if the final agreement contains anything which may disintegrate or pave way for disintegration of Manipur, Gaikhangam said.

It's time for all political parties to set aside all differences and work collectively.

Congress party would definitely send its representatives to the all political parties meeting scheduled tomorrow in order to ascertain the Government's position on the issue, he said.

CLP leader and ex-Chief Minister Okram Ibobi too noted that the people of Manipur are quite worried that the Government of India's attempt to bring a permanent solution to the Naga issue may distort the integrity of Manipur and its territorial boundary.

Any permanent solution which would herald peace and development in the North East region would be welcomed by one and all but distorting the integrity of Manipur which existed as an independent country for centuries in the name of the permanent solution is unacceptable, Ibobi asserted.

The final agreement may also contain a number of economic package and there is no harm when these economic packages are sanctioned through the State Government for implementation in any district.

However, if the economic packages are sanctioned to the particular districts directly, it would have serious ramifications, warned the ex-Chief Minister.

Many districts of the State have been already enjoying autonomy in such subjects like customs, culture and traditions.

There are also the Village Authority Act 1956 and the Manipur Land Records and Land Revenue Act 1960.If more autonomy should be granted to the particular districts through amendment of these Acts, it should be done through the State Government.

Any attempt to distort the integrity of Manipur is simply unacceptable, Ibobi added.