Speaking to some media persons by the sideline of the closing ceremony of the 3rd North East Zone Shooting Championship at Khuman Lampak Shooting Range today, MPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam categorically stated that it was not advisable for a Chief Minister to make unsolicited comments regarding internal matters of another State.
He informed that MPCC has sent a letter of condemnation to the AICC against the letter of objection sent by the Mizoram Chief Minister to the Prime Minister of India.
The AICC was informed about the Mizoram Chief Minister’s undue interference in the internal affairs of Manipur with a conviction that the matter should be resolved within the party and it should not be taken to the Prime Minister, Gaikhangam stated.
Regarding the comments made by a Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland on the present situation of Manipur, the Deputy Chief Minister advised the MP not to be hyper-critical about any State’s internal affairs. The comments made by the MP ought to be condemned by one and all.
They should concentrate on their own affairs rather than interfering in the internal affairs of Manipur. All the indigenous people of Manipur have been living in harmony. The Nagaland MP’s statement was misplaced and uncalled for, Gaikhangam asserted.
Regarding the imbroglio besieging Churachandpur, the Government has been making its best efforts to hold dialogue in order to bring a solution and a dialogue would be held sooner rather than later. Just as all issues have a starting point, they must end at some point.
Even if there are flaws or lapses, the same can be rectified through consultation and dialogue.
On being enquired about the persistent demand for resignation of MLAs elected from hill areas, Gaikhangam remarked that the situation is very sensitive. The Government’s attention at the mo- ment is not on the demand. The Government’s attention is focused on bringing the restive situation under control and restore normalcy at the earliest.
The Government has been working to invite the Churachandpur JAC for the third time for a joint meeting. The Government has been exploring all possible means to bring a solution.
As for the media report about MP Thangso Baite’s proposal for creation of two Union Territories out of the existing State of Manipur, the report has been dismissed by the MP himself.
On being enquired about involvement of UG groups under SoO pact in the public uproar, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the State Government was aware of their involvement.
Joint Monitoring Group Chairman ADGP LM Khaute was stationed at Churachandpur for almost a week and he also talked with leaders of some groups under SoO pact.
On being questioned why the Government is reluctant to send a Minister or MLA to Churachandpur for direct interaction with the aggrieved people, Gaikhangam maintained that the situation is very volatile and there is a nagging fear about eruption of more violence as and when any Minister or MLA visit Churachandpur.
Nonetheless, the Government has been working hard to bring normalcy in the district.