Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 24 2009:
CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta today asked the Government of India to rein in NSCN-IM before it creates havoc in Manipur.
The veteran MP, during zero hour in the Lok Sabha, told the House that the situation in Manipur was dangerously turning for the worse, and he called the attention of the Government of India to take immediate action.
He said, the so-called National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) has been indulging in rampant violence over decades and the Government of India, after a long time, had entered into a ceasefire agreement with the so-called NSCN-IM which came into force on 1st July 1997 when Indrajit Gupta was the Home Minister of India.
Pointing out that now the ceasefire is blatantly violated by the Naga insurgent group, Gurudas Dasgupta informed the House that even the NSCN-IM had entered into Manipur, set up armed camps and captured a vast area of the land belonging to the State.
Not only that, recently they had killed an SDO and two of his subordinate staff, he said.
"Earlier they were extorting money, collecting goods tax, vehicle tax and other forms of taxation.
Nearly 24 per cent of the total emoluments of the Government servants residing in the hill areas had to be given to the Naga insurgents.
Now, they have extended their operation right into the heart of Manipur, occupied a large track of land and they seek to break-up the State demanding a part of Manipur for so-called Greater Nagaland".
The CPI MP further said that, it has created serious turmoil in the State.
There was a 48 hour strike recently in the entire Manipur.
"There are a few points that I would like to make.
Firstly, the Government of India had made the ceasefire, therefore, it is the Government of India that has the responsibility, politically and militarily, to enforce it and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated, and Naga insurgents are not allowed to indulge in violence in Manipur.
Secondly, if it is left to Manipur, they are incapable of combating the violence.
Thirdly, the situation calls for immediate intervention.
If it is not done, the territorial integrity of the State will be seriously jeopardised leading to serious political problem in a remote part of India".
He further pointed out that there is likelihood of the situation having a terrible impact on the psyche of the people of the small State.
He expressed his deep concern and requested the Lok Sabha Speaker to call upon the Government to act immediately before the situation turned too bad affecting the entire State of Manipur.