Siroy : Manipur Govt's silence irks UCM

Imphal, January 23: Referring to the present stand-off between NSCN (IM) and Assam Rifles at Siroy in Ukhrul district, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has decried the stoic silence of the State Government even as the impasse has been continuing for the last three days.

In a press release, the UCM asserted that the lingering suspicion of the people of Manipur about the sincerity of the Central and State Governments even after deletion of the words "without territorial limits" from the ceasefire pact between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India has been proven true by the existence of the NSCN (IM) camps within the boundary of Manipur and the resultant stand-off with AR.

Recalling about the strong civil uprising of June 18, 2001 against extension of ceasefire without territorial limits in which 18 people lost their lives for the sake of the State's integrity, the UCM also reminded about the violent incidents including the burning of the State Assembly, offices of different political parties and Chief Minister's official residence.

Since the incident, the people of Manipur have been on alert against any threat to the integrity of Manipur, it said.

Alleging that the ceasefire ground rules are being followed only on paper and that every party is acting according to their own wish and whims, the UCM asked if this is the true essence of a democracy.

Further asking if the Central and State Governments are taking the people of Manipur for ride, the UCM urged upon the State Government to act immediately in the stand-off so that all camps of NSCN (IM) are removed from the soil of Manipur.

It further called upon the people to teach a befitting lesson to those intent upon disintegrating Manipur.