THOUBAL| Nov 26 : As a part of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee’s ongoing sit in protest held at different parts of Manipur in demand for transparency of the ‘Framework Agreement’, Kakching Block Congress Committee today organised a protest at Naohallai Hall, Kakching bazaar.
Speaking at the protest site, former chief minister O. Ibobi said NPF has not taken a clear stand regarding the efforts taken up to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister and the home minister to protect the territorial integrity of the state.
If the NPF signs the memorandum, then Congress MLAs would also agree to put their signature in the memorandum by joining the drafting committee of the memorandum, he said. Unless NPF makes a clear stand in the matter, Congress would stay away from the drafting committee, he informed.
He further alleged that NPF which the coalition partner with the current BJP government is supported by the insurgent group NSCN (IM).
In the election manifesto of the NPF, the agenda to unite the Naga settled areas is there, the same goal is also clearly mentioned in the constitution of NPF. The inclusion of this particular agenda has made the Congress to question the NPF, he continued.
“The NSCN (IM) is currently making demands to have autonomy in the fields of finance, administration and culture etc. This has caused alarm as it could mark the beginning of disintegration of the territorial integrity of Manipur”, he said adding Congress will never come to terms with issue of granting autonomy, he added.
No representatives of NPF are included in the drafting committee; he said and further demanded explanation regarding the matter.
Since the government is being led at the centre by BJP, the people ought to know beforehand what has been included in the framework agreement, Ibobi demanded. The people must remain cautious of the scheming BJP government, he said urging the people to give their support in the efforts being made by Congress party.
The former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam said the detail of the ‘Framework Agreement’ must be disclosed. It is unfortunate that the agitations being taken up to save the territorial integrity of Manipur, is being misinterpreted by the BJP as if congress is starting up an issue.
The issue concerns not only the Congress party but the entire Manipur as a whole, he pointed out.
The meeting was attended by president MPC, T.N. Haokip along with MLA of Wabagai assembly constituency, Fajur Rahim, former MLA, E. Dwijmani, T. Mangibabu, president kakching block congress committee, Khetrimayum Ibohal, councillors of Kakching municipal council and workers of congress.
Source: Imphal Free Press
