Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 14:
Retired lecturers of well known colleges of the state have highlighted certain complicated issues besieging the people of Manipur in a memorandum addressed to the President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
The teachers, under the banner of Association of Premier State College Seniors (APSCS) had unsuccessfully attempted to put up the issues to the President during his recent visit to the state.
Instead the body wrapped up their thoughts and suggestion and dispatched the same to the President some days back, said its general secretary Dr AK Chisthi at a press conference today.
On territorial integrity the representation, copies of which were also sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Leader of the opposition (Lok Sabha) among others asserted that the most crucial issue gripping the people is the palpable threat to the territorial boundary of Manipur 'zealously guarded by her natives since time immemorial'.
It explained that, "In a situation where we are experiencing a deep anguish over the loss of part of our country like Kabow valley in the east and part of Manipur in the north, a serious move for further disintegrating the tiny state of Manipur on ethnic line is akin to rubbing salt to the wound".
Reviewing article 3 of the constitution to ensure that the Central Government do not disturb status quo of Manipur's boundary would have enormous impact on the people sign a breathe of relief, Dr Chisthi explained the memorandum's content.
While welcoming the Naga peace talks "we cannot but be critical about the situation created during the period of cease-fire, the agreement of which does not cover the territory of Manipur", the memo signed by Chisthi said.
Regarding the controversial imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, 1958, the association that was formed in February 2005 said security forces wreaking havoc in the state is all due to immunity granted by the imposition of the act.
"Your excellency being the supreme commander of the armed forces and the head of the state, we fervently believe will surely look for the rationality of judging the mindset of different stock of people of the border state of such a big family of the nation".
Repealing the dreaded act as recommended by the Justice Reddy Commission from the trouble torn state will not only save the life of a young brave woman giving hope to her disdain soul, but will also be the right step in the attempt to bring about an atmosphere of understanding with the section of the people craving for a place in the sun.
The body also expressed its desire on the protection and preservation of the historic Kangla fort at the right earnest and under the supervision of specialists in the field.
It also expressed its aspiration on strengthening the democratic system in the country by setting requisite qualification of the intending candidates to fight in assembly and parliamentary elections.