States conditions for the UNLF's offer to lay down arms
The jailed chairman of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Rajkumar Meghen alias Sanayaima, on Monday renewed the offer made to the Centre that the outfit would lay down arms before United Nations authorities if the Centre allowed a plebiscite in Manipur in the presence of UN representatives and arrange for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in the troubled State.
Mr. Meghen told The Hindu when he was brought by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for production before the Court of the Special Judge here: “Before the plebiscite is held, the Army and paramilitary forces should be withdrawn and the UN peacekeeping forces should be deployed. The UNLF will deposit arms to the UN authorities on a date prior to the plebiscite and will abide by whatever decision the people give. The UN authorities should hand over power in accordance with the verdict. It is the only way to resolve the conflict.”
He said that the UNLF had made the offer in 2005 and that he had reiterated it during his interrogation in Delhi following his arrest, but the outfit was yet to receive any response from the government. “We want a democratic solution to the conflict. We will honour the plebiscite verdict. We expect the Centre also to honour it,” Mr. Meghen added.
Over 200 human rights and women activists from Imphal and other parts of Manipur staged a sit-in outside the court premises.
The protesters raised ‘UNLF Long Live' slogans when the 65-year-old insurgent leader was brought to the court and when he left the premises.
A postgraduate in International Relations from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, Mr. Meghen is the great-grandson of Manipuri patriot Prince Tikendrajit Singh, who led the army of the Manipur kingdom in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
“The UNLF is not waging a war against the Centre but is struggling for the restoration of the State's sovereignty. The people never approved the integration of Manipur with India in 1949 as it was not ratified by the 53-member elected Assembly. Besides, the then Maharaja of Manipur was made to sign the merger document under duress,” Mr. Meghen said.
Mr. Meghen has been named as one of the 19 accused in the charge sheet filed by the NIA in a case registered against UNLF members involved in “criminal conspiracy to wage war against the nation by indulging in fundraising and heinous terrorist acts, and threatening the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India by terror strikes.”
Keywords: Separatism, Manipur unrest
I am not in support of the the gang culture (either by Armed forces or by namesake revolutionary groups) that is happening in Manipur but, I am very much in support of the struggle laid by our people against AFSPA and against the Humiliation that was done during 1949 and till today. First the government should realized how to solve the problems arising out of it, study on what is the root causes of all these probs, not only looking at the superficial parts or face value or current situation. The mother state should consider whole heartedly, as her own son, whether he is spoilt or pampered or look different or perform the culture differently. Giving chocolate to stop the child from crying might (is) affecting child's health. The best example is-The NE states got 10% amount of money from every Ministry for its development. But it led to rampant corruption. Making the local minister a big fat Amir. Does AFSPA 1958 solve the insurgent movement? The clear answer is BIG NO. Rather it led to increases in the movement to somewhat 40 (forty) insurgents groups NOW. IS this problem a mere law and order situation. I say NO. Its a political problem. Then why the govt. is not ready to solve politically. Plebiscite can be very near whether India is in the top 10 list or at the top in becoming supper power, and the People of Manipur might be willing to vote for the plebiscite. Regardless, whether Mr. Meghan become a ruler or not.
One fact that we must note is that Mr.Meghen is from a old royal clan who once ruled the state of Manipur. He has ambitious feelings based upon a free Manipur. The people there, if Manipur 'was' (I believe it will never be) a sovereign state will accept him as it's supreme leader. There are some facts that his supporters and other insurgent groups in that part of India must recognize - India is one among the top ten countries of the world in power and stability. It is NOT going to redraw it's boundaries anymore or at any time. Plebiscite of the state is something that never can be achieved. The 'comments' he made based on the handling over of power to UN security forces and gradual transaction of power must either be hallucinating or being in a state of mental instability. He is not realizing what is happening around him. Most of the insurgent groups (even ULFA) is coming to the path of laying down arms and coming forward to participate in peace building process. The union government and other concerned agencies are trying to provide the people of Manipur with all the requirements, but, the underground groups are trying to destruct all these. We all heard the news about destroying mobile network in the state by an insurgent group. The roads are blocked, fuel units are under the Black markets of underground outfits. So, the people of Manipur must unite to curb these activities and to bring the outfits into the path of peace process because reinforcing the presence of armed forces there can only worsen the condition.
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