Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 05 2010:
There was no discussion for a separate administration for the Nagas in the tripartite talks between the Centre, state and UNC held at Senapati district headquarters on December 3, SPF spokesperson, IFCD minister, N Biren today clarified, reacting to the charges hurled by the MPP.
Addressing a press conference held at his office chamber, minister Biren said that the talks focused on only four points which had earlier been agreed to be discussed.
The four points included declaring 'null and void the ADC election held in May and June this year,' 'revocation of wanted tag declared by the state government on the presidents of ANSAM and UNC,' 'conduct a judicial inquiry into the Mao gate incident' and 'clarification on the reason behind the barring of NSF (Naga Students Federation) president's entry into the state by security forces at Mao gate,' he asserted.
There was no discussion on the demand of 'alternative administrative arrangement' and the development programmes which were included in the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohon Singh by the UNC, the spokesperson reiterated.
Manipur government will not discuss any agenda which would tantamount to disturb the territorial integrity of the state.
Government has already made it clear, Biren said.
SPF government under the leadership of Chief Minister, O Ibobi is ever alert to protect the state's territorial integrity.
The clear evidence of this was banning the entry into Manipur of NSCN(IM) general secretary, Th Muivah.
It is regrettable that some political parties are reacting to the Senapati talks without knowing the inside story and trying to spread a wrong signal of the sincere efforts of the ruling government committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the state, he said.
During discussions on the above mentioned four points in the tripartite talks, the minister categorically said that to declare null and void to a body (ADCs) constituted with the democratic process of election will impair the value
of democratic practice.
The elections were held after due consideration with the 20 MLAs of the hill districts who themselves had sought the elections.
Government has agreed to the demand of conducting a judicial inquiry into the Mao gate incident as the UNC was dissatisfied with the magisterial inquiry which is currently under progress.
State government gave no comment on the revocation wanted tag on the head of UNC and ANSAM presidents as it was done so per directive of the high court.
However, the state government assured that help will be given to challenge the directive of the court.
With regard to barring entry of NSF president at Mao gate, Biren clarified that it was done so because curfew had been enforced in Mao.
The president had not taken prior permission from any authority of the state government to enter Mao during curfew hours.
During the curfew hours, even ministers and MLAs were barred from entering the area without a proper curfew pass.
The NSF president was barred entry because of the then prevailing situation at Mao gate.
However, government regrets if any one's sentiment was hurt by the restriction.