Violence in Manipur -- tragic and condemnable

Date: 
Tuesday, June 19, 2001

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The violence in Manipur, which has led to loss of thirteen lives and widespread arson, is tragic and condemnable. The widespread fears aroused by the extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) outside the borders of Nagaland that it will affect the integrity of Manipur have led to mass protests in Imphal in the past few days.

The Central Government is mainly responsible for such a situation developing in Manipur. Contrary to the claim of the Home Minister, Shri Advani, the Chief Ministers of all the North Eastern states were neither consulted, nor the issue discussed with them. Manipur is under President's rule following the squabbling within the NDA as to who should form the government. The Centre has shown scant regard for the sensitivities of the Manipur people.

The people of Manipur have to be categorically assured that there will be no tampering whatsoever with the unity and integrity of the Manipur state. The Polit Bureau appeals to the people of Manipur not to be provoked by those who wish to foment violence. The interests of Manipur can be safeguarded by democratic mass mobilisation while rebuffing all attempts to divide the people.