IMPHAL, Sept 23 - Manipur-based civil society organisations have urged the Centre that the territorial integrity of the State should not be disturbed and that divisive administration on ethnic lines within the State cannot be accepted in finalising the framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3.
The United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) and Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) firmly raised the issue with the Government of India�s interlocutor for NSCN-IM peace talks RN Ravi during his recent visit to Manipur.
�We have apprised our stand (to the interlocutor) for the cause of the State�s territorial integrity,� said UCM president Elangbam Johnson while speaking to the media here on Friday.
Terming the claim of discrimination of people in hill areas as �false propaganda,� Johnson said, �People in hills have their own regulation to safeguard themselves from external forces. They are also getting more benefits out of government development programmes.�
Urging the Centre not to bypass the State Government while taking any decision in regard to the recent peace accord, he said, they told the visiting interlocutor that NSCN (IM) had stopped the functioning of Autonomous District Council in the hill districts for quite a long time.
Stating that they will oppose any move to disintegrate Manipur at any level, AMUCO vice president Ph Deban said they have also informed RN Ravi that peace accord may create tension among the people if the details are not disclosed.
