By: Akoijam Tompok ( Asstt. Editor-ICN North East cum Bureau Chief-ICN Manipur )
IMPHAL: Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh of Manipur has made his stand and warned of any forces not to compromise the territorial integrity of the state(framework agreement signed between India Govt. and NSCN-IM). Biren was answering to queries raised by reporters after the inauguration of a 2 days Inter-regional Media Interaction Programme Between Myanmar and India at Hotel Imphal here at Manipur.
The issue of Framework Agreement has been boiling in the state as several Civil Society Organisation is holding public meeting to take steps, if any unwanted understanding were there in the agreement which would compromise the territorial Integrity of the state. They also have been pressuring the BJP led government to let know the public of what is inside the agreement.
The chief minister has been assuring the people of the state that the territorial integrity of the state will not be compromise. Now, the chief minister has made his assurance again that he stands for the state, it would made the issue a little lighter.
Chief Minister, Biren further added that “i have already given my word that state is important, state is everything, nation is everything. If something is to be touch in my state(the frame-work agreement signed between India Government and NSCN-IM compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur) there is no need for living and holding the post(he) as CM”.
When asked about the Congress blaming BJP for not bringing transparency in the ongoing framework agreement, Biren said “blaming is a continuous process of the Congress, when they are in power they blame, not in power now they blame. The congress is playing blame game”.
While inaugurating the Media Interaction, Biren said that the interaction was mooted first by Prime Minister, Narebdra Modi on his visit to Myanmar last month. This interaction will help in fostering ties between the two nation. He also mentioned the need to strengthen media in a country where there is democracy.
He further added that Bilateral ties would enhance through people to people, So, people of both countries should travel to each other countries, exchange ideas etc..On the recent decision to start bus service to Yangoon from Imphal through Mandalay, Biren urged the media delegates from Myanmar to push the Myanmar Government, so that the service may introduced as early as possible.
The two day event is being organised by State Level Committee for Act East Policy in Manipur and Department of Information and Public Relations in consultation with Manipur Tourism department at Hotel Imphal, Sangai Hall.The inaugural function was attended by 11 media representative from Myanmar and 3 from india along with editors from various news outlets.
There will be various discussions on Cooperation and Understanding in Media activities between Myanmar and India, Media Environment in Myanmar towards Ethical Responsible Journalism, Free and Responsible Media in India, Capacity Building of Media Personnel in Myanmar and India.
