Newly formed body wants declaration of whole state as “Hill state”

IMPHAL, Dec 15, 2012 [IFP]: The newly formed Organisation for Solidarity and Unity of North East India, OSUNE-India, Manipur today organised its first general body meeting at the Manipur Press Club and demanded that the whole state of Manipur be declared a Hill state.

The organisation has also demanded the creation of separate Manipur Regiment under Indian Army.

Addressing media persons after the end of the meeting, newly appointed president, Dr Khomdon Singh Lisam said the organization was formed on November 17 during a public hearing with the main objectives of creating a forum for dialogue, discussion for ensuring communal harmony, social integration and for bringing solidarity and unity among all ethnic groups in the State of Manipur and to initiate policy and legal advocacy campaigns in collaboration with stakeholders for possible amendment of the Indian Constitution.

He elaborated, "The state is sitting on the top of a volcano a ticking time bomb".

"The Nagas are demanding Nagalim or Greater Nagaland or Alternative Administrative Arrangement. The Kukis are demanding a separate Kuki state. This disunity and mutual mistrust is the result of the centre's policy of divide and rule propagated through the Indian Constitution", he said.

"We need to relook at the impact and the implications of the Indian Constitution", he said.

"Today, we need to realise this. The Manipuris have to stand up as one person and speak with a common voice, have a common objective and common strategy to ensure solidarity and unity among all ethnic groups in Manipur".

People should realise that Manipuris include Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis, Meitei Pangans residing in the state, he said.

Dr Khomdom Lisam further said during the general body meeting of OSUNE-INDIA, Manipur with ex Minister Mingthing as the president had unanimously re-affirmed and decided to implement the recommendations of the public hearing held on 17th November.

The recommendations include, declaration of the whole state of Manipur as hill state, the Article 3 of Indian Constitution regarding alteration of state boundaries shall not be applicable to Manipur to protect the 2000 year old territorial integrity of Manipur, protection of rights, identity, customs, culture, traditions, religion, land, language, script, mineral resources of indigenous people of Manipur.

The meeting further recommended the Centre for recognition of all indigenous religions of Manipur, bringing of all ethnic groups in Manipur under one uniform land law and provision by the Constitution for establishment of an upper house (Legislative Council) with a minimum of 40 members and provision for 10 nominated members, he said.

"The Manipuri script (Meitei Mayek) should be included in the coins and currency bank notes and that Meitei/Meetei of Manipur should be included in the Scheduled Tribe category of the Indian Constitution".

A separate Manipur Regiment under Indian Army should be created. 10% of Assam Rifles, BSF,

CRPF posted in North East should be manned by Manipuris. A special recruitment drive may be conducted to recruit Manipuris in the Railways, Coal Mines and other central services, he said.

The organization has also announced its office bearers including ex Minister RV Minthing, Nepram Bihari and SK Erikkhomba as advisor, Advocate Thoudam Manihar as general secretary.

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