New Delhi, May 16 (IBNS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday said the Centre must reassure Manipur that its borders are non-negotiable.
“We reiterate our demand of reassuring Manipur that its borders are non-negotiable. Further it must take immediate steps to augment the supplies and proper security arrangements for the residents of the State who have been issued leave Manipur state by 31st May,” BJP national spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said in a press statement on Manipur crisis.
Javedekar said BJP is ‘surprised’ over the disappointment expressed by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in his rejoinder to the press briefing of the party.
“BJP’s charge of unilateralism against the Home Minister was based on statements of two Congress Chief Ministers, Mr. Ibobi of Manipur and Mr. Rossaiah of Andhra Pradesh,” Javedekar said.
“P. Chidambaram should be disappointed with the two Congress Chief Ministers instead of expressing his disappointment with the BJP,” he added.
BJP delegation visited Manipur and made their findings public in Imphal and in New Delhi, before meeting the Home Minister.
“The delegation was also surprised when the Home Minister explained the process of prior consultation with the respective states.
“The Manipur Chief Minister is on record stating that, he was not consulted before the decision to allow Mr. Muivah into Manipur. Earlier when, P. Chidambaram made announcement regarding the beginning of the process of formation of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Rosaiah immediately clarified that neither he was consulted nor had any knowledge of this announcement,” the BJP spokesperson said.
“It is imperative in such a situation that Home Minister should have cross checked with the two Chief Ministers before issuing the rejoinder. BJP has always played a role of constructive opposition on all the issues of national importance and will continue to do so,” he added.
The All Naga Student Association of Manipur (ANSAM) has imposed the economic blockade over Manipur government’s refusal to allow Naga rebel leader Th. Muivah to visit his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) general secretary, Muivah, has been camping in a bordering village in Nagaland since last week in a bid to visit Somdal.
The Centre had tried to convince both parties – Manipur government and Muivah – to budge from their stand, but with no success.