Will consult NE States during finalisation of NSCN (IM) accord, PM tells CM

NEW DELHI August 8 (MIC): Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh in connection with the Naga Peace Accord.

While meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 7, Race Course Road at 1.20pm, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was informed that everything would be discussed with the State governments concerned before finalization of the accord.

During the meeting with the Home Minister at his residence at 17, Akbar Road here at 11.20 am, interlocutor of Naga Peace Talk R. N. Ravi also attended.

In the meeting, Manipur Chief Minister demanded a copy of the Naga accord from the Union Home Minister.

He informed the Union Home Minister that the people of Manipur were anxious to know the details of the Naga Peace Accord and had the apprehension that it would affect the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh replied that the Accord was just a framework. It would not affect the territorial boundary of the neighbouring States of Nagaland.

He further stated that the Government of India would invite the state governments for discussion while working out the final shape of the accord.

During the meetings, Manipur Chief Minister placed before them the existing Acts namely Manipur (Village Authority in Hill Areas) Act 1956; Manipur Land Revenues and Land Reforms Act 1960; Manipur ( Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and Manipur Legislative Committee( Hill Areas Committee) Order 1972 passed by the Parliament for administration of hill areas in Manipur, protection of customary laws, legislative protection to the interests of Hill areas and prevention of Tribal land alienation.