By A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL | Oct 27
Chief minister, N. Biren Singh has said that his Government has reaffirmed its stand not to compromise with the territorial integrity of the State and oneness of its people at any cost.
Biren stated this while speaking to media persons on the sideline of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” spot painting competition at DM College Multipurpose Hall today.
Biren’s statement comes in the wake of the confusing statement made by some NSCN-IM leaders that the central government has agreed to recognized the territorial integrity of the Naga-inhabited areas.
He further informed that the resolution to reaffirm its earlier stand was taken during a meeting of ministers and MLAs of coalition partners convened a few days back.
Biren informed that an all-political party meeting would be held tomorrow at 4 pm at CM’s secretariat wherein a firm decision will be taken to strengthen the state government’s stand on its territorial issue.
Moreover, if necessary a delegate of all political parties would visit New Delhi to inform the Central leaders about the government’s stand and apprise that the talks should not affect the “historical status”, oneness and territorial integrity of Manipur, he asserted.
Biren further opined that his government will support and encourage the ongoing peace talks that a peaceful solution is brought to the issue.
Responding to a query regarding Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s assurance to Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal regarding the former’s assurance of not altering Assam’s territorial boundary, N. Biren said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP National president Amit Shah had already made the same promise to Manipur as well during campaigning of the last Assembly election.
The first ever Nagas peace talks held in Nagaland between the NSCN-IM and Government of India has triggered apprehension across the northeastern states particularly Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Against this backdrop, reports emerged that Nagas residing in the Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh writes to the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) to include them in their political dialogue. They requested the NNPGs to include the Nagas of Arunachal Pradesh and Upper Assam in Nagalam further raising apprehensions of the locals of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh that parts of the states have to be given away for Nagalim formation.
Meanwhile, speaking at the main function of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Chief Minister said that the society needs to acknowledge the role and contribution of women.
The programme was jointly organised by State Level Committee on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and State Social Welfare Department.
The Chief Minister stated that the State Government is planning to announce a welfare scheme for BPL families belonging to OBC during his proposed Chandel visit on November 4.
The Chief Minister said that women have been making immense contributions in all spheres including social movements in Manipur. However, women are still discriminated up to some extent in Manipuri society, he added.
He observed that mothers generally go through great pains throughout their life for the wellbeing of their children.
As such, it is annoying to see denying necessary care and love to old mothers by their children, he added. The Chief Minister urged the public to give due respect and care to womenfolk especially mothers.
Stating that the new Government is fully committed to extend support and assistance to widows, N. Biren said that many social security and welfare schemes are being implemented by the State and Central Governments in this regard.
Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen was the functional president of the occasion.
In her speech, she urged the public to take a pledge to put in joint effort to improve Child Sex Ratio as a National priority agenda.
She said that all over the world, Manipuri women have been known for their courage, skill and active involvement in many social, economic, political and cultural activities.
From this year onwards, awareness programmes would be conducted all over the State with the goal of empowering womenfolk, preventing gender biased sex selective elimination, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child and education and participation of girl child, she added.
A special attraction of the function was giving the opportunity of taking selfie with the Chief Minister to selected girl students.
Later, the dignitaries led by the Chief Minister distributed prizes of the spot painting competition.
Rajya Sabha MP Ksh. Bhabananda, Commissioner (Social Welfare, YAS and Higher Education) H. Deleep and Social Welfare Director Smt. Jacintha Lazarus also attended the function as guests of honour.
Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/4634-cm-convenes-all-party-meet-on-naga-peace-talks-today
