Manipur Chief Minister and BJP leader N Biren Singh, who is visiting Delhi to discuss the Naga peace agreement and its repercussions on Manipur with the Centre, warned on Monday, 16 July, that he and his colleagues in the government will have to "leave our posts" if their consent is not taken on the issue.
If our voice is not heard, if the consent of the state assembly or of the people is not taken, if changes are made (post Naga talks), then we will be nowhere. Then automatically, we will have to leave our posts.Manipur CM N Biren Singh, as quoted by ANI
Biren Singh’s visit comes amidst speculation that the Framework Agreement that the Centre signed with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) would soon be reaching its logical conclusion, raising concerns about whether the agreement would impact Manipur, especially its territorial integrity.
Asserting that the reaction of the people will be “uncontrollable” if anything happens due to the ongoing peace talks with Naga groups, Singh said:
The people of Manipur, the history, the background, remembering all these things; the protection of the existing state is very important.Manipur CM N Biren Singh, as quoted by ANI
Having met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, the Manipur CM – who is accompanied by his ministers and MLAs – said he told him about the purpose of their visit and discussed their apprehensions.
During assembly polls campaign as well, PM Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Ji met us and assured that the territorial integrity of Manipur won’t be touched. We still have the same hopes.Manipur CM N Biren Singh, as quoted by ANI
Emphasising that the central government should formally inform the Manipur assembly and the government before taking any decision arising out of the Naga issue, Singh added:
Right now I cannot say this (whether the solution would be Manipur territorial compromise) will happen. We want to see a peaceful solution.Manipur CM N Biren Singh, as quoted by ANI
Earlier, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Singh had asserted that he would resign and rebel if he and his government feel wronged by the deal, and "if it hurts the sentiment of the people", but the Centre still decides to go ahead with it.
(With inputs from ANI.)
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