Statement of conscience and not binding document: Gangmumei

Imphal, February 08: The vice president of the Federal Party of Manipur, Prof Gangmumei Kamei has said that the declaration signed by 47 Naga candidates contesting in the Assembly elections yesterday at Senapati was not a binding document. Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club today during the release function of the election manifesto of the FPM, Prof Gangmumei said the declaration, framed by the United Naga Council, UNC, was in the nature of a statement of conscience. Answering queries from mediapersons, Prof Gangmumei said the Naga candidates signed yesterday's declaration in their individual capacities and not as party representatives. Listing the points mentioned in the declaration, he said the signatories pledged to support the Indo-Naga peace process, to defend the inherent rights of the Naga people, to resign when so desired by the UNC in connection with the people process, and that Indian election is detrimental to the demand for self determination. He maintained that signing the declaration was not an anti-India step, he said self-determination did not mean sovereignty and pointed out that India too has signed the international covenant supporting the right to self-determination. To a question, he disclosed that two Naga candidates from Chandel district, the INC candidate from Phungyar A/c, the INC and BJP candidates from Tamei A/c and the BJP candidate in Nungba A/c did not turn up for yesterday's meet. In the meantime, while releasing the election manifesto of the party, the FPM president Dr L Chandramani said the FPM's agenda encompassed federalism, regionalism with commitment to autonomy and self-government, social federalism, protection of human rights and development with social justice. He added that the FPM wanted equal representation for all states in the Rajya Sabha irrespective of size or population, and sought equal powers and functions for both Houses of Parliament. He added that the party also wanted review and restructuring of the division of powers between the Centre and the states, in particular, transferring of the subjects under the concurrent list to the state list. The party further wanted repeal of Article 356 of the Constitution, he stated.