Imphal, Jan. 29: Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga?s demand for a boundary commission for the Northeast and merger of Mizo-inhabited areas of Manipur to his state has evoked sharp reactions from the Democratic People?s Party (DPP) and All-Manipur United Clubs? Organisation (Amuco).
Zoramthanga was quoted as having said at a news conference in Aizawl on Monday that he would urge the Centre to constitute a boundary commission for settling border disputes in the Northeast.
States carved out of Assam have boundary disputes with either Assam or other neighbouring states, Zoramthanga was quoted as having said.
He further said that merger of Mizo-inhabited areas of Manipur with his state would entirely depend upon the ?willingness of the people living in Manipur?.
Reacting to the comments, Amuco president Jagat Thoudam today said: ?The Mizoram chief minister will do better to mind his own business. Manipur was not formed by either the MNF or the government of India. It is a historically-evolved land. Instead of making such uncalled-for statements, he should concentrate on the welfare of his own people and implement the Mizo Accord signed with the Centre, ? he said.
The DPP, a constituent of the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Secular Progressive Front ministry, has also flayed the statement, saying that Mizoram chief minister had no role to play on the question of Manipur?s boundary.
Stating that Zoramthanga had no knowledge of historical facts of his own state, DPP leaders Udoi Thongam and R.K. Anand said between 1840 and 1850, a tribe known as ?new Kuki? was driven out of the then Lushai hill range by a Lushai chief called Lallula. The displaced people were allowed to settle in Manipur, they said.
They also said Zoramthanga?s mentor Laldenga had dropped the idea of greater Mizoram. ?He should better rectify the mistakes committed and follow the path of Laldenga. Some Mizos have accepted themselves as belonging to a lost tribe of Israel. Would Zoramthanga claim Israel as a part of Mizoram? ? Anand asked.
The Amuco also released an ?integrity flag ? and announced that it was ready to hold talks with social organisations of other states to bring about an understanding among the people in the region. The green ?integrity flag? is inscribed with the words ?Punna hingminnabagi leepunna Manipurgi ngamkhei ngaklee? (?bond of peaceful co-existence is protecting Manipur?s boundary?).