THOUBAL | Dec 11 : In the sit in protest organised by Khangabok Block Congress Committee under the supervision of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at Wangbal bazaar, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said Congress party will not bear with the secrecy that is being kept for more than two year regarding the Framework Agreement.
The sit in protest was part of the ongoing campaign of the Congress demanding that the contents of the Framework Agreement signed between the Central Government and NSCN(IM) in 2015 be disclosed to the public. He further said that during the congress rule, when Rajiv Gandhi was holding the post of Prime Minister of India, the Punjab Accord, Assam Accord, and Mizo Accord etc. were signed but they were not processed under any form of secrecy, and they were disclosed to the public along with the media, he said.
However, the details of agreement that was signed between the government of India and NSCN – (IM) on August 3, 2015 had been kept under veil of secrecy, he said. This makes the congress conclude that something suspicious is definitely included in the agreement, he added.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the suggestion made by the centre and the state leader of BJP that there are no such things in the agreement, he further said the question of it affecting territorial boundaries of the state may not be included, but if the agreement grants financial administration and cultural autonomy to NSCN – (IM), then it is equivalent to charting out the process of breaking up Manipur. It is akin to keeping two, separate governance at a same region he said inquiring if BJP does not understand its implications.
He further said the state BJP leaders have been telling frequently that there is nothing in the terms of the framework agreement. This shows that they know what is there in the agreement, he said adding if they know what is included in the agreement, then it is requested that the details be released to the public tomorrow and the sit in protests will be immediately lifted. Otherwise, they should not make irresponsible statements, he added.
Former deputy, CM, Gaikhangam said it was unfortunate that agitations taken up by the congress had been portrayed as something aimless and unworthy. The statements made by the chief minister about the demands are irresponsible, he alleged. He being the leader of the people, must consider the long terms before making statements, he added.
Source: Imphal Free Press
