Civil bodies gear up for open dialogue on Naga peace talks

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 11

United Committee Manipur (UCM), Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) and All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) today reiterated their stand that they will not compromise on the state’s territorial integrity at any cost. 

President of UCM, Johnson Elangbam said in a press meet held today at UCM’s Lamphelpat office said the recent developments of Naga peace talks with the Centre has alarmed the people of the state. He emphasised on the need to protect indigenous people of the state and its territorial integrity. 

Johnson asserted that their demands have been clear since ‘Framework Agreement’ was signed in August 3, 2015 between Centre and the NSCN (IM). A memorandum has also been submitted to the interlocutor R.N. Ravi in his recent visit in the state demanding to reveal the contents of the agreement to the public. However the agreement has been kept under cover till date, which creates more tension among the public, he added.

Further Johnson continued the civil bodies have been preparing themselves and in this regard they have arranged an open dialogue with the public at Lamyanba Shanglen on November 18 to discuss the pressing issue of Naga peace talks.

He invited people interested in protecting their age-old tradition of living in harmony to participate in the decision making programme in safeguarding state’s territorial integrity. He also appealed civil organisations and others not to impose any bandhs and blockades on the day and disrupt commuters in taking such an important decision of the state.

Johnson urged the people to give full cooperation in the struggle to protect the state from external and internal divisive elements. He also pressed on the politicians and bureaucrats of the state to cooperate in their demands and walk hand in hand.

He asserted that the six points included in the memorandum submitted to the prime minister are still valid till date.

President of AMUCO, Ph. Deban, who also spoke in the media briefing, added that the historic legacy set by the forefathers will never be forgotten and taking away from them would invite intense democratic agitations from the public and especially the three organisations. 

He said the Naga peace talks should respect and honour the territorial integrity and added that more intense agitation than that of June 18 will take place if the Centre takes any unwise decision.