Koijam to oppose truce area plan

IMPHAL, March 3: The proposed extension of the ceasefire between the NSCN(IM) and the Centre to other contiguous Naga-dominated areas of the Northeast has received a boost after Union home minister L. K. Advani yesterday hinted at getting "a positive response from the Chief Ministers of some states in the region." However, Manipur Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam today opposed any move to extend the ceasefire to the Naga-inhabited areas of the state. In an official statement released from New Delhi, Koijam reportedly mooted the idea of a ceasefire with all the militant outfits of the Northeast to pave the way for bringing about a permanent solution to the insurgency problem. Koijam yesterday met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Union home minister L. K. Advani separately to discuss the issue. Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi also discussed the matter with Vajpayee. Tension mounted in the state after news agencies and some Delhi-based dailies published reports saying the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, who had earlier opposed the extension of the Naga ceasefire, have toned down their opposition following parleys with the Prime Minister and the home minister yesterday. In a swift denial, Koijam issued a statement saying, "The people of Manipur strongly oppose the extension of the ceasefire and will, at any cost, protect the territorial integrity of the state." Koijam said he told both Vajpayee and Advani that the ongoing ceasefire should not be extended to the Naga-dominated areas in Manipur. He also highlighted the "people's opposition" to the proposed extension. For Koijam, the issue has become "delicate" and the survival of his People's Front government depends on how effectively he handles it. The Rishang Keishing-led Congress government was toppled in December 1997 on the issue of the Naga ceasefire and state's territorial integrity. The Assembly had earlier passed a resolution to safeguard its territorial integrity at any cost. Koijam also apprised Vajpayee and Advani of a recent meeting organised by a non-political group-the All-Manipur United Club' Organisations (AMUCO)- which reiterated the people's stand on the proposed extension. Koijam today said many rallies against the "extension" had been organised earlier. State law minister O. Joy Singh, who is also a prominent leader of the ruling People's Front government, today said the Chief Minister has not made any statement to the Prime Minister and the home minister agreeing to the extension of the ceasefire. He said the People's Front government could not allow the ceasefire to be extended to Manipur. However, the state Cabinet has not yet discussed the issue, he added. State Samata Party leader and health minister Nimaichand Luwang also echoed Joy Singh's views. He said the New Delhi Press had misquoted Koijam. Speaking to The Telegraph over phone from New Delhi, Koijam denied agreeing to the extension of the ceasefire to Manipur. He said he had only urged Vajpayee and Advani to declare truce with all militant outfits of the Northeast.