Sit-In Staged Against Article (A) or 6th Schedule

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, August 26, 2018: A sit-in-protest was staged at Khamnam Bazar against the possible extension of Article 371 (A) or 6th Schedule in Manipur, here on Sunday.

The sit-in-protest was jointly organized by Cachar Road Athletic Union (CRAU) Club and Meira Paibi of Khamnam Leirak under the aegis of United Committee Manipur (UCM).

Speaking at the agitation sit-in, UCM Secretary General Kh. Athouba spoke of the consequences that would likely to arise if the possible extension of Article (A) or alike in Manipur or 6th schedule is pass in the parliament.

Manipur Government would be rendered helpless if such Act has been passed in the parliament.

He expressed apprehension on the report tabled by RN Rabi to a Parliamentary Panel that Article 371 A may be extended to Naga inhabited area of Manipur saying that it is a dangerous development for the people of Manipur.

Athouba said that if the component of “Framework Agreement” is put in place, the prolong dream of NSCN-(IM) for “Greater Nagaland” will come into reality.

GoI must not play their divisive policy to divide Manipur which was once an independent entity guarded both by the hill and valley people.

People of Manipur would be more than happy if the ongoing peace talk could be concluded peacefully and bring harmony and peace in Nagaland, however if the so-called peace talk resulted in distortion of territorial integrity of Manipur, people of Manipur will not remain as a mere spectators.

Centre and State Government must not forget the consequences of June 18, said Kh Athouba.

Secretary of Khamnam Leirak Apunba Meira Paibi Lup Khaidem Sumati maintain that people of Manipur will stand firm against the possible extension of Article 371 (A) in Manipur and other similar act cannot be passed in the parliament which create a serious threats to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Sumati also maintain that special status cannot be granted to one group of community by the India Government.

State government also must aware that the ongoing agitation to safeguard the territorial integrity is for the people of Manipur as well as for the state government.

Instead of standing against the people of Manipur and dispersing the democratic agitators by using their highly condemnable force power, State Government must assure to the people of Manipur that the territorial integrity of Manipur will remain intact and also must put big pressure to the centre to do so.