Integrity not negotiable : MDA

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 6: The Manipur Democratic Alliance (MDA) has reiterated that any solution to the political dialogue going on between Government of India and NSCN-IM should not infringe upon the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary.
Speaking to media persons at the Babupara office of Shiv Sena State unit today, MDA convenor M Tombi said that a final solution to the 23 years old political dialogue may be sealed shortly.
In connection with the final settlement of the Naga issue, Chief Minister N Biren and his predecessor Okram Ibobi may go to Delhi on November 9 to talk with Central leaders, Tombi said.
If the Naga solution is such that it brings peace and prosperity in the North East region including Manipur, MDA which is an alliance of 9 political parties would warmly welcome the solution. However, MDA will not accept any solution nor remain silent if it challenges the integrity of Manipur, Tombi said.
He also reminded of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance that the people of Manipur, CSOs and political parties would be consulted before a final settlement is worked out.
“Instead of concentrating all our efforts on what can be conceded to NSCN-IM and what cannot be touched, we need to raise some concrete demands so as to secure the collective identity and integrity of Manipur,” Tombi said.
Everybody is aware of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of one Nation, one law and one Constitution.
Contrary to this very idea of the Prime Minister, the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (MLR&LR) Act 1960 is still restricted to the valley districts while he hill districts are left out of its ambit. It is essential to amend the Act and make it applicable throughout the State, said the MDA convenor.
“We should also urge the Centre not to carry out any delimitation exercise in Manipur based on erroneous census data and if there should be any delimitation exercise, it should be done after 2026,” he said.
Highlighting all these points, MDA would submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Governor, Tombi said.
He also urged the State Government to convene a meeting of political parties on the issue of delimitation as early as possible.