Imphal Free Press
Imphal | May 4
In an unexpected turn of events on the first day of the first full session of the Manipur legislative Assembly yesterday, two Naga independent candidates who participated in the discussion on the Governor’s address to the House on March 16, called for an amendment of the address on the plea that his assurance of Manipur’s territorial integrity was against the spirit of the Naga peace talks.
Independent MLA from Chingai AC of Ukhrul district, Dr. Khasim Ruivah, taking part in the discussion on the Governor’s address categorically drew the attention of the House to the seeming contradictions which he along with several other MLAs of the state noticed.
He said during their oath-taking they swore allegiance to the protection of the country’s territorial integrity, while in the Governor’s address there was mention of the protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur only. This, he said, was contrary to ‘the national ideology’ hence the Governor’s address needed to be amended.
He also said there is a complete failure in implementation of Border Area Development Programme in his constituency as no physical activities under this programme could be seen in the sub-division. His constituency lies at the extreme border of Myanmar in Ukhrul district, he added.
Later, independent candidate from Tengnoupal AC, Morung Makunga while participating in the discussion charged the state government of complete failure in framing clear cut policies to solve the burning insurgency problem in the state. This was reflected in the Governor’s address to the House he added.
He said the invitation and offer of talks to all insurgency groups operating in the state in the Governor’s address would have little meaning as long as the government does not change its stand on the territorial integrity of Manipur on the one hand, and on the other, holding peace talks with the NSCN (IM) under the framework of the Indian Constitution to end the 60 years struggle of the Nagas. Morung Makunga also argued that the Governor’s address would be better amended in this regard if the state really wanted to find a solution to the burning insurgency problem in the state.
.jpg)
