Imphal, April 06 2009: Denouncing the charges of Congress and MPP that the hill-based regional party PDA is trying to disintegrate Manipur as 'false and baseless', Independent MLA Dr Khasim Ruivah has categorically asked the two political parties to ensure amendment of Article II of the Indian Constitution if they are to oppose to the alteration of the existing boundary of the States.

Speaking at a public meeting held in connection with the election campaign of the PDA candidate Mani Charenamei at the Indoor Stadium of the Chandel district headquarters today, Dr Khasim asserted that the Independent Naga MLAs have become MLAs only after taking the oath under the Indian Constitution.

So if anyone says that the existing boundary of the States cannot be altered then they should first amend the Article II of the Constitution.

The forum of the Naga Independent MLAs have extended its support to PDA in consideration of the works being taken up to protect the rights of the indigenous tribal/minority people, he added.

Reacting to the remarks of the AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi that the existing boundary of North Eastern States would not be violated during an election rally of the Congress at Churachandpur recently, Dr Khasim termed it as an exploitation of the tribal people.

Asking whether Rahul Gandhi is a public of Manipur or not, Dr Khasim also questioned the authority of the AICC general secretary in coming out with such assurances.

Before giving any assurance on the boundary of the Northeast, Article II of the Constitution should be amended, he said, while asserting that there is no provision in the Constitution which says that the boundary of a State cannot be changed.

We are only asking for the due rights of the tribal people, he added.

In his address, sitting MP and PDA candidate for the Outer seat Mani Charenamei observed that in case the ongoing peace talks does not lead to the desired direction of the Nagas, it may lead to resumption of the armed struggle.

In such a situation, the public would suffer all the more and the armed youths fighting for the cause would not come out again to offer of pace talks.

So during the period of the ceasefire, the Nagas should come out and speak of what they want.

He also charged the State Govt with not taking up any welfare programmes for the people in the hills.

Other Independent Naga MLAs namely Morung Makunga, Awangbow Newmai and W Keishing also addressed the meeting.