IMPHAL, July 4: Ex-MLA Okram Joy has come out hard against the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K Theirie`™s suggestion that the present Dzuko dispute could be settled through customary law and consulting former chief minister of Manipur and Nagaland Rishang Keishing and SC Zamir.
Stating that Theirie`™s suggestions is of an irresponsible political leader, Joy said it unfortunate and at the same time condemnable.
The British reign over India ended after India got its independence and wrote the Indian Constitution, he said.
He said State boundaries have been properly demarcated under Article III of the Constitution.
The seasoned politician further said the Constitution is the supreme law and none is above it.
Even the agreement between Keishing and Jamir when they were the Chief Ministers of the States in question cannot violate the Constitution, he continued,
The dispute, as such, cannot be solved through customary law, he observed.
Under Article 371 (A) which gives special provision to the State of Nagaland, customary lawa are applicable in the State, however, it is not applicable in Manipur, he continued.
It is unfortunate that the Nagaland Congress president has suggested application of a provision applied in Nagaland in Manipur, particularly when the issue at hand is regarding State boundary which is already under Article III, O Joy asserted.
Therie`™s irresponsible statement which is completely against the Constitution of India could fuel the fire of hatred between the two States instead of bringing settlement to the issue, he further observed.
He further suggested and appealed that it would be plausible if such irresponsible statements are not made without a proper knowledge of the Constitution.
The Indian government to playing the divide and rule policy and creating tension among the States of North East since a long time, he alleged indicating to the boundary issues between Assam and Nagaland, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh among others.
The Centre has decided to remain as silent spectators to all these issues, he said.
He suggested a joint survey conducted by the director general of survey with representatives of the concern States for amicable settlements of the boundary issues.