IMPHAL, December 20 (Newmai News Network): Manipur People’s Party (MPP ) said it has been observing the development, post the reported “Final Settlement stage” of the talk between the Government of India and NSCN(IM ) to the issues raised by the militant group led by Th. Muivah and Isaac Swu.
“However, MPP finds it questionable the secretive manner in which the talks have been carrying on. It is a known fact that the core issues raised by the NSCN(IM) involves Manipur.But what is not known is themanner in which the negotiations are taking place; neither the Government of Manipur is privy to it or should the Manipur Government make a clarification?The fact that negotiations have been carried on totally independent and unconnected with the Government of Manipur itself make farcical the accepted norms of democracy for which Government of India stands for. This cannot be accepted by the MPP and the People; that is what the day June 18, 2001 tells the Government of India (GOI) and the world. The militant group who claims to have the mandate of the community they belonged to have its own political aspiration-the Nagalim. But their aspiration cannot override the wider public interests of the region peaceful co-existence of the different communities of the region, in whatever way it means,” the MPP said in a communique today.
“The secretive approach of New Delhi in dealing with the NSCN(IM) which centres around Manipur in all its aspects could equate with the early 20th century phenomenon of the Shimla Agreement of 1914 that had drawn the McMohon Line between India and Tlibet where no Indians or Tibetans were present. On and off, there have been selective leaks to the media by the Home Ministry about the possible “final Settlement Stage” that makes the public onboth side of the divide excited and suspicious of the atmosphere charged by the selective leaks of the Union Government,” the MPP opined.
However, interestingly the Manipur Government is in its usual form of inactivity.The fact of the matter is that the O. Ibobi Singh, Government in its experience of revitalizing the NSCN(IM) in 2004 byu causing (one ) the 52 days blockades of the national highways and (two) the Tripartite talks after Muivah’s homecoming episode of 2009 is twice shy to take any initiative to propose any alternative or to question the intenbtion of the Governbment of India for disturbing the minds of the public byu its selective leaks.
Now, that the talk has reportedly reached a stage where the interests of Manipur is blantantly put on the table. Therefore, it is time the Government of Manipur should join the talk, the party suggested.
The MPP then demands the Government of India not to make any harmful selective leaks that may lead to public disturbance. It also demands not to take any illinformed or unqualified decision that would threaten the social fabric of th3e North East Region and Manipur ion particular. The party further demands to make the talk tripartite: Government of India- NSCN (IM)- Government of Manipur, without any condition.
The MPP said it would extend all cooperation to make the talk tripartite, democratic and successful in the interest of the North East and the nation.
Finally, MPP solicits supports and cooperation from the public and all stake holders including civil society organizations of all communities across the board to find a way out of this `unwanted situation`.