Manipur body moves Centre on Naga peace talks

“Respect democratic voice of the people of Manipur”

By Special Correspondent On Sep 23, 2020

Union Home Minister Amit Shah. File image.

GUWAHATI: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has submitted a memorandum to Union home minister Amit Shah, reiterating strong opposition to “merger of any territory of Manipur with Nagaland or creation of a pan-Naga cultural body or any separate administrative unit.

COCOMI expressed concern over reports in a section of media that the final agreement between the Centre and NSCN (IM) “would be signed within this month, and the pact with the other Naga groups inked by October”.

The committee further urged the Centre to respect the democratic voice of the people and not listen to only those who took up arms “as it may lead to more taking up arms believing the government of India listens only to arm groups.”

“Even if the Centre accepts the Naga flag, it should be applicable only in Nagaland and not in any part of Manipur and that no act which will lower the dignity of the Manipur Legislative Assembly by bypassing it for any acts resulting out of the agreement shall be acceptable or applicable to Manipur,” it stated in the memorandum submitted to Shah on Tuesday.

The committee recalled the Centre’s assurance earlier that if any matter concerning the state of Manipur was involved, the matter would first be consulted with the civil society organisations of Manipur.

“In other words, no unilateral decisions will be made by the government of India and that the people of Manipur must be made aware of the progress of the talks if there is any provision which may impact the state of Manipur and its people,” the committee stated.

“Despite the assurances given, till now there is no communication to us on the progress of the ongoing peace talks, thereby implying that the government of India has not accepted any proposal from the NSCN (IM),” it stated.