Agencies
IMPHAL, OCTOBER 19
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Unit on Sunday stating the saffron party was “extremely dangerous” for Manipur since its alliance Naga People’s Front (NPF) had the true agenda on integration of all Naga-dominated areas into a single administrative unit.
Gaikhangam was addressing a one-day political conference of Indian National Congress (INC) at Ibudhou Wangpurel Khana Chaoba Shanglen, Akampat in Imphal East organised by Imphal East District Congress Committee.
The political conference was held to mark the 125th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Gaikhangam, who is also the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), criticized the State BJP saying the saffron party is “inappropriate” for the State.
He said troubles were created in Manipur whenever the BJP was in power at the Centre and cited the bloody Great June Uprising episode.
More on page 5
Many Government office buildings were burned down by mobs in Manipur when there was a BJP-led Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Centre.
Now there is another BJP Government at the Centre which has created another problem by signing a framework agreement with the NSCN (IM), the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He said the Centre is still reluctant to reveal the details of the peace accord recently signed with the NSCN (IM) despite repeated demands from the State Government.
“The BJP is always detrimental and problematic to Manipur where the party often creates very difficult situation.
Beware of BJP which poses a big threat to the State,” he said.
NPF has its own agenda on Naga integration and that the party’s constitution clearly mentions its objective on integration of all Naga-dominated areas, Gaikhangam alleged.
“BJP is going with a party like NPF.
We must not support BJP which is acting against the people of Northeast,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Congress is working for the welfare of the society and so efforts are needed to strengthen the party.
Former minister Bijoy Koijam, MLA N Loken, Manipur JD (U) president M Tombi, general secretary Lien Gangte and several important leaders of MPCC were also present during the political conference.
