Newmai News Network
September 25
IMPHAL: NDA Convenor and former Defence Minister, George Fernandes today expressed the hope that the ongoing peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre would succeed, but refused to give any of his commitment to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur while resolving the Naga political issue.
“The Centre is trying to find a solution to the Naga issue by holding talks with the NSCN (IM). The rebel group is also engaging people outside the peace talk for a solution. We hope the peace talk would continue and succeed,” Fernandes who arrived in Imphal yesterday on a two day visit to strengthen his party JD (U) told reporters before leaving Imphal this morning.
Asked about the question of Manipur’s territorial integrity in the face of the Naga demand for integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas Fernandes said, “We have not reached that stage (question of changing boundaries). Territory lies in the future. At the moment every body is concerned more with how to bring peace,” Fernandes said reacting to a question.
Fernandes, however, made it very clear that he was strongly against breaking up of India’s territory. “I am for integrity of the country. The country should not be fragmented,” he said in response to a question.
The NDA leader also ruled out holding of a plebiscite, as being demanded by United National Liberation Front (UNLF). “You cannot have a plebiscite without changing the constituency. Our constitution does not provide for plebiscite. The constitution cannot be amended casually on the demand of somebody. It will have to be a serious amendment,” he said.
The UNLF supremo Sanayaima in an interview in Hong Kong (which was carried as an exclusive by The Morung Express) asked India to hold a plebiscite to end the ongoing armed conflict in Manipur through democratic means. Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee during a press conference held at Leimakhong during his recent visit to Manipur had also flatly rejected the UNLF demand.
Responding to a question on the demand for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act Fernandes said that the Centre should not take any decision hurriedly on the issue. He said that there are various aspects to the issue. The government at the moment is looking into the recommendations of the Justice Jeevan Reddy commission report on what should be done with the act.
