10 Cong ADC Members joining BJP...Dy CM points fingers at NSCN (IM) threats
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2015 : A day after 10 sitting Congress ADC members shifted party loyalty, Deputy CM Gaikhangam said that the 10 Congress ADC members were intimidated by the NSCN-IM and they are leaving the Congress party due to threats from the militant group.

Gaikhangam was speaking to media persons during media interaction on the sidelines of the launch of the Subsidized Section of Shija Eye Care Foundation at SHRI, Langol and the souvenir release function of ADC Chandel at Hotel Imphal today.

The Dy CM said that the NSCN-IM has been imposing a diktat on the coming ADC election.

"All sitting ADC members are banned from contesting the election and fresh candidates are told not to contest the poll on Congress ticket," Gaikhangam said.

He said that such steps of the NSCN (IM) and its functionaries could incite violence in the Naga dominated districts of the State.

He added that the State Govt would face any threat imposed by them in the forthcoming ADC election.

Stating that the NSCN (IM) has been trying to win the ADC election through proxy means by supporting a particular party, Gaikhangam said that such action is a clear indication that the NSCN-IM has surrendered and given up their movements.

"Now they have realized what they had been doing for the past many years were wrong and are ready to join the mainstream society," said Gaikhangam while adding that this is an achievement of the Govt.He added that if the UG group is courageous enough, they can step in and contest the election in an acceptable manner and openly and take part in the election process.

In that case, the Govt is ready to resign and make room for them.

In good faith their step to join the mainstream must be welcomed by one and all but the tactics they have been employing cannot be tolerated, he added.

Although the ADC election was not held for 22 years due to the 6th Schedule demand, now one can see that there can be development in both the hills and the valley without the 6th Schedule, he said.

There is no hard and fast rule that the 6th Schedule is the only surest way to development, Gaikhangam added.

He said, "There are certain organizations in our State which cannot tolerate any development activity in Manipur and mainly NSCN (IM) are not so happy to see development in Naga dominated areas and it is very unfortunate" .

Commenting on the land encroachment issue by the Myanmar army at Choro Khunou of Ukhrul district, he said that the matter has been informed to the Centre the necessary steps would be taken up at the earliest.

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