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Centre`s interlocutor RN Ravi in Imphal on consultation visit

IMPHAL, September 10: `The Naga Peace Accord is for everyone. We have made it very clear, it is inclusive. We will take everyone`™s views on board and try to reach a very comprehensive peace. It is not just for one or the other` interlocutor of India-NSCN (IM) peace talk RN Ravi told the waiting media persons soon after landing at the Imphal International Tulihal Airport on a two-day visit today.

The interlocutor arrived in an Indigo flight around 11:45 am today, and left for The Classic Hotel where he will be staying during his visit.

RN Ravi also met the State Chief Minister and representatives of CSOs seperately regarding the prevailing situation in the State following the signing of the peace accord.

Sources said Ravi had also met representatives of the United Naga Council.

He also met representatives of the United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation and Committee of Civil Society of Kangleipak around 3:30 pm.

Following the meeting, leaders of the UCM and other CSOs briefed media persons on their meeting.

UCM president Johnson said on receiving an invitation from the interlocutor, representatives of the AMUCO, UCM and the CCSK went to meet him around 3:30 pm.

During the meeting, a six-point memorandum was submitted to Ravi reflecting on the various resolutions arrived at following several consultative meetings among the organisation regarding the Accord he said.

The CSOs have urged the Centre to clear the mystery surrounding the ongoing talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) and to provide a white paper on the issue.

The people of the State have a right to know of what the agreement is all about he said.

The memorandum said that the people of Manipur have every right to know the entire peace process going on between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) that might directly or indirectly affect Manipur`™s historical and political status and that the GoI should produce a white paper on the peace process with the NSCN (IM) from 1997 onwards and also the details of accord.

Johnson elaborated the memorandum has also sought that the government of India should respect the distinctive historical identity and political status of Manipur and its multi-cultural pluralistic society based on the principles of co-existence and communal harmony while ensuring integrity of its body-polity.

The memorandum also included that political aspirations and socio-economic advancement of all the ethnic communities of Manipur be ensured and protected with the administrative jurisdiction of Manipur and any culture and administrative arrangement on the basis of ethnicity is unacceptable as it directly tantamount to communal and sectarian demarcation of aspirations and voices of smaller communities in Manipur.

The struggles and sacrifices of the Naga people in Nagaland and the same is expected from the people of Nagaland to the people of Manipur it added.

Meanwhile womenfolk belonging to different CSOs under the Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign (CIRCA) Manipur demonstrated against RN Ravi`™s visit, terming it as a mission to conspire hatred and enmity among various communities inhabiting the State.

Hundreds of women holding placards and banners shouted slogans like `Go back RN Ravi` and `Manipur`™s territorial integrity should not be infringed.`

They stood along the Imphal Airport road from Keisampat junction to Churachandpur parking area.

A large number of womenfolk also took out a protest march in the heart of city against RN Ravi. However, police dispersed the womenfolk.

Traffic was halted for half an hour around Kangla traffic circle because of the mass rally.

Protestors held placards reading `Go back RN Ravi,` We don`™t welcome you in Manipur,` Don`™t come back again RN Ravi.`

The womenfolk also announced that the three Khwairamband Keithels will remain shut for the day tomorrow.

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