IMPHAL, Feb 27: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) have appealed to all the candidates of the ensuing State Assembly election to come forward and pledge to face all challenges to the integrity of Manipur collectively.
Speaking to media persons at their Lamphelpat office today, UCM secretary general YK Dhiren maintained that people have a nagging fear that the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM may have serious impacts on the territorial integrity of Manipur.
It was this lurking fear which prompted UCM, CCSK and other like minded organisations to launch the campaign ‘Pledge to the People of Manipur’.
Since the campaign was launched, many candidate regardless of their party affiliations have pledged to take pro-active roles in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur. So far 26 BJP candidates, 14 Congress candidates, 10 NEIDP candidates, eight AITC candidates, six CPI candidates, five MPP candidates, four NCP candidates, three PRJA candidates, three NPP candidates, two AIFB candidates, two CPI(M) candidates, two LJP candidates and three MNDF candidates have signed the pledge.
CCSK secretary general Jitendra Ningomba remarked that no one is sure how credible is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that the Framework Agreement does not contain anything which may affect the integrity of Manipur.
At the same time, there is a nagging suspicion that the political boundary and physical boundary of Manipur may be affected, Jitendra said. He then urged the Government of India to bring out a white on the Framework Agreement at the earliest. He also appealed to all the candidates who have not yet signed on the ‘Pledge to the people of Manipur’ to append their signatures before the election.
Source: The Sangai Express
