Ibobi hopes to buy stability with DPP entry

Imphal, April 05: As anticipated, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) which has two MLAs has snapped ties with the Opposition Democratic People?s Alliance (DPA) and joined the Congress led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) regime today. With this the strength of the SPF has risen to 38. A six point memorandum of understanding was signed between the DPP and the SPF for the induction of the DPP. Among others the main points of the MoU envisage that the territorial integrity of Manipur shall be protected at all cost, all necessary actions will be taken for reviewing the notification declaring different parts of Manipur as disturbed areas under the Armed Forces Special Power Act and to lift the same from the State, the DPP will be taken into confidence in the governance of the State, POTA will not be extended to Manipur, DPP and SPF to jointly fight communal politics. They also agreed that the main points of the MoU will be incorporated into the common minimum programme of the SPF. Later addressing mediapersons, Chief Minister O Ibobi said DPP?s entry will ensure stability. He said if opportunity arises the DPP members may be inducted into the Cabinet. Underlining the reason behind the decision to desert Opposition alliance, DPP president Khaidem Mani told this reporter that it is not the lure of ministerial berths or the upcoming Rajya Sabha election that influenced their decision. It joined the SPF on issues concerning the State, he said. Giving a clean chit to Rishang, Mani said it is not Rishang who is interested in disremembering the territorial integrity of Manipur but the NSCN (IM). Mani added that Rishang was defeated at the hustings because he had dared to challenge the writs and dictates of the NSCN (IM).