PC reiterates no change in boundary stand
No fresh commitments, defines who is a Manipuri
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 14 2010: Union Home Minister P Chidam-baram has categorically stated that there is no question of manipulating or changing Manipur's terri-torial boundary.

He stated that the Centre is fully aware and committed to Manipur's integrity.

The Union Home Minister arrived here this after- noon on a two day visit to the State.

Soon after landing at Tulihal, he visited Raj Bhavan.

Later interacting with college students at GP Women's College in the company of Education Minister L Jayantakumar and Higher Education Commissioner K Moses Chalai, Chidambaram stated that all the communities living in Manipur are Manipuris.

A student raises a question during the interaction programme with P Chidambaram at GP College

Stating that all the communities should enjoy equal rights and status, he, however, noted that minorities may feel insecure.

Acknowledging the centuries old history of Manipur and the excellence of Manipuris in art and culture and various other fields, Chidambaram advised that Meiteis should talk with Tangkhuls and Tangkhuls with Kukis.

Claiming that some insurgent groups have come forward for dialogue, the Home Minister exuded confidence that there would be peace and reconciliation in the North East region in the next 10 years.

He further appealed to all groups to shun violence and come forward for dialogue.

Stating that India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautama Buddha, Chi-dambaram observed that the North East region would certainly become peaceful when all groups join the peace and reconciliation process.

To a query raised by a student, he iterated that the Centra is against imposition of blockades on National Highways and added that people should stage protests as and when any blockade is imposed on National Highways.

To another question, the Home Minister stated that industries should be set up in Manipur.

He also observed that to many people Manipur unsafe for establishment of industries.

This view need to be changed.

For this, a safe and secure environment is required, the Home Minister asserted.

Responding to another student, P Chidambaram stated that recruitment of a large number of security personnel where-as very few teachers were appointed was not a healthy sign.

It implied that law and order situation in Manipur was not secure.

Among the NE States, Assam and Manipur are yet to come on the path of peace.

This would depend on the young students, he said.

Commenting on the repeated rape cases of NE women in Delhi, the Home Minister said that these were 'opportunistic crimes'.

Denying that Delhi is not safe, he informed that Delhi Police have been strengthened to check such crimes.

Informing that some of the accused have been arrested, the Home Minister assured that befitting penalty would be awarded to all those found guilty.

He further exhorted students to stand up against bandhs, blockades and strikes.

Earlier, the Home Minister held a meeting with the CM and top security officials on the security situation of Manipur at Raj Bhavan.

On his arrival at Tulihal Airport, the Union Home Minister was received by Sports Minister N Biren, TD Minister DD Thaisii, Chief Secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joy- kumar, Home Commissioner Vumlunmang and other officials.