IMPHAL, Jul 4: Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary (North East in-charge) Satyendra Garg has categorically stated the speculation that establishment of a pan-Naga body would be the solution of the peace talk between the Government of India and NSCN-IM is some people’s figment of imagination. A seven-day training programme on commercial flori- culture was opened today at KVK Hengbung. The training programme organised by Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS) is being participated by around 60 farmers.
Speaking to media persons after the inaugural session of the training programme, Satyendra Garg stated that rumours and hearsays should not be taken as truths. The long peace process (with NSCN-IM) would not be affected by the demise of the outfit’s Chairman. The peace process will go on and it will arrive at a solution, asserted the Joint Secretary. He further assured that all stake holders would be consulted before a final solution is worked out. Stating that New Delhi has initiated dialogue process with many UG groups which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) Pact, Satyendra Garg exuded that an amicable solution can be explored.
He added that the Government of Manipur is also a party to the dialogue process. With regard to the insurgency affected State of Manipur, Government of India follows two strategies. The first strategy is about making all efforts to bring the insurgents to negotiating tables and resolve the issue through dialogue. The second strategy is about providing assistance to people who stay away from insurgency for their economic development. The Government of India has no objection to enforcement of Inner Line Permit System or a similar mechanism in Manipur but the three Bills passed by the State Government towards this effect were opposed by tribal people of the State. In the anti-Bills protest at Churachandpur, nine people were killed and their mortal remains have not been put to rest till date.
The State Government should address the tribal people’s sense of insecurity and bring a consensus or an understanding on the issue. Different communities of Manipur have been living together for ages and they can certainly reconcile with each other. There must be a way of reconciliation, Satyendra Garg asserted. The Government of India would work for the welfare of Manipur, he said and went on to ask as to why there should be difference of opinions in implementing ILPS or a similar mechanism in the State. The State Government should resolve the issue by holding dialogue with all stake holders, he continued. As for the UG groups which are under Memorandum of Understanding, it is the duty of the State Government to build proper desig- nated camps for them. The Centre will provide assistance, if required, he added.
Earlier speaking at the inaugural session of the training programme, Satyendra Garg stated that the people of Manipur have been suffering since 1947/49 but lately they have imbibed a positive attitude. The seven-day training programme would certainly prove to be immensely beneficial to the farmers, he remarked. Prof JM Laishram of CAU’s College of Agriculture, Senapati DC Jacintha Lazarus and former MU Registrar RJ Ranjan were also seated on the dais.
