RPF raises critical posers on Than Shwe’s visit
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 28: While ex-pressing scepticism of any successful outcome of the agreement reached be-tween the Governments of India and Myanmar, the proscribed RPF has su-ggested that focus now should have been on addre-ssing the shortages of essential commodities faced by the people of Ma-nipur.
Contending that taking advantage of Myanmar leader General Than Shwe’s visit to India, Indian leaders attempted to project insurgency movement in Manipur as acts of terrorism, an RPF statement issued by its Publicity secretary T Leisemba ex- pressed confidence that no effort of Govt of India to tarnish the revolutionary cam- paign would fructify as history of Manipur needs no introduction to Myanmar.
Moreover, manipur’s relationship with the people of myanmar had been in existence for ages and the neighbouring country is also aware of India’s plot to create divisions in Myan-mar, claimed Leisemba.
Accusing India of being indifferent to the suffering of the people of Manipur and contending that fate of Manipuris cannot be decided by policy makers of India, the secretary suggested that rather than mislead Myanmar on the on- going armed campaign, efforts should have been to procure essential commodities from the neighbouring country.
Highlighting that owing to blockade imposed on both the national Highways, food shortage crisis is being endured by the people, the RPF statement insisted that the need of the hour is ensuring adequate supply of essential items to the people of Manipur rather than sign deals to stop transborder movement of insurgents and arms for such an agreement is certain to fail as maintaining vigil at over 300 kilometres of porous border with Myanmar is a pipe dream.
govt of India should have capitalised on Than Shwe’s visit to strengthen economic relationships on a long term basis which in turn could have demonstrated that the Centre do empathise with the suffering of people of manipur, Leisemba opined.
Since Manipur is a land locked State and is subjected to frequent disrup- tions food supply routes, policy makers of India should have a realistic vision to ensure activities of ves-ted elements do not imperil the masses, the RPF statement maintained.
(More tomorrow)