Thangso Baite shares stand on Supra State Body
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2011: Strongly resenting that the Government of Manipur has not been taken into confidence by the Central Government on its proposed Supra State Body, Outer Manipur parliamentary Constituency MP Thangso Baite has affirmed that he would take up all possible measures if territorial integrity of Manipur is threatened.

Contending that even if MPs are kept in the dark about any development that concerns Manipur, the State Government should have been consulted or apprised as the issue is very sensitive, he also construed that in technical terms the proposed Supra State Body amount to superseding powers of a Government by another.

Speaking to The Sangai Express on the sideline of a public function today, the Lok Sabha MP disclosed that Government of Manipur is yet to confirm the Centre's plan for establishment of Supra State Body.

Thangso also opined that the news report on the proposed Body published by the Seven Sisters Post might be authentic and added that representation of the State Government for a reply on the issue is yet to evoke response from the Prime Minister, union Home Minister or the AICC chief Sonia Gandhi.

MP Thangso Baite

Opining that official declaration on formation of Supra State Body might have far reaching consequences in the region, the MP further confided that he has held discussion on the issue with the Chief Minister on two occasions during which it was decided to tackle the issue in a cautious manner.

Pointing out that formation of Supra State Body is out of the ambit of the Indian Constitution, he also doubted its official implementation due to its constitutional invalidity.

expressing that without consulting the State Government the Centre is unlikely to take a decision which would be detrimental to the interest of the general public of Manipur, the MP also lamented that as a representative of the State in the Centre he should have been confided on such an important issue, if at all a decision has been taken.

reiterating that as an MP he would definitely take all possible measures if there is any threat to the integrity of Manipur, Thangso asserted that Government of Manipur is committed for overall development of the State.

Stating that he firm decision could be initiated by the State as there is lack of clarity on the Supra State Body issue, he also highlighted that on implementation the issue is certain to trigger conflict of interest between the Government of Manipur and Nagaland.

Calling upon all concerned to exercise restrain for the issue lacks clarity, he also informed that the Chief Minister today left for New Delhi to hold discussion with Central leaders.

Observing that the Central Government seems to be exploring various measures in its effort to resolve the vexed Naga political issue, he also appealed to the people of Manipur to promote peace and harmony in Manipur for Supra State Body is merely a proposal and no final decision has been taken by the Centre.