IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Monday said he was not informed by the Centre over the reported move to grant supra-state status to Nagas as reported in a ection of the media. Talking to news persons here, he also he had no knowledge about the credibility of the report and added that the territorial integrity of Manipur could not be compromised.
Mr Ibobi said he would speak to Central leaders about the matter.
Congress president Gaikhangam said the Congress party will oppose any move to disturb the boundary of Manipur, adding the people of Manipur, living together for the past 2000 years peacefully, had always objected to any annexationist policy of any organisation.
Various organisations had reacted to the report and appealed to all not to be carried away by such reports, which could snowball into a major crisis in the region.
Media reports had stated that as Christmas gift to bring to an end to the protracted talks with the NSCN(IM), the Central government would grant supra-state status to Nagaland, and Naga people settled in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh would be granted special status after effecting a Constitutional amendment.
In 2001 when the Centre tried to extend truce with the NSCN(IM) beyond Nagaland there was massive protest in Manipur resulting in the death of 18 people and burning down of the State Assembly complex, Chief Minister’s residence, offices of political parties.
The Centre had decided to roll back the decision after the protest.
The Chief Minister has also time and again charged the NSCN(IM) with carrying out illegal activities in Manipur.
D D Thaisii, Education Minister, was ambushed on November 12 last by suspected Naga militants. Six security personnel were killed earlier when Wungnaoshang Keishing, MLA, was ambushed by NSCN(IM) militants. (UNI)
