IMPHAL: President of National Peoples’ Party Thangminlien Kipgen has claimed that the state government did not invite the NPP officially for attending the all political parties meeting called by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi. He added that in the prevailing circumstances, NPP is neither throwing its support nor making objections on the ILPS issue.
Speaking at a press meet held at the office of NPP in MG Avenue, he said his party decided not to attend the meeting as no formal invitation was received even though the party’s office was opened for 24 hours a day. If any important issue pertaining to the state arises, written information should be given to every political parties of the state, he added.
Elaborating NPP’s position on the raging issue, he said the party has its own clear cut stand on the ILPS and will like to make it known and forward a thorough explanation of its views. It is agreed that the influx of non locals has increased but it will not be proper to endorse all the resolutions taken at the all political parties meeting without fully understanding the matter, he said.
Thangminlien said that a thorough discussion with the involvement of all stake holders from both hills and valley should be held to bring about unanimity among all and strive for a common resolution. After reaching a common resolution we can take up plans to put pressure to central government with a concrete stand, he stated. NPP will not take part in the trip to Delhi because without a common resolution the trip will not be a fruitful one, he added.
The immediate duty of the state government is to calm down the burning situation arising out of the JCILPS stir, according to Thangminlien.
He further remarked that passing the three bills bypassing the Hills Area Committee is against Article 371(C) and it is a wrong Assembly procedure.
Thongkam Haokip, General Secretary of NPP; Ch Azang Khongsai National General Secretary of NPP; and Thanil Secretary were also present.