Manipur CM

an extensive lobbying exercise with both the BJP leadership and the Sangh parivar to convey the state’s position.

The Centre signed a framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaak-Muivah) in August 2014. Naga rebel groups have demanded the creation of a Greater Nagaland which includes the Naga-speaking parts of Manipur.

“We have come in a full team – with all ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders including state president. We are about 35 people. We will stay here for fourfive days. We are here to request the Centre that we support the peace initiative. But in the meantime, there is a state, there is a constitutional scheme, there is a federal structure, and so if there is any decision, please convey to us in advance so that we can take a decision in the assembly. If not, then all elected members, including me, will be an in extreme position,” Singh said in an interview.

When asked if that included resignation, he said: “We might...No alternative. If it hurts the sentiment of the people, involves part and parcel of the state in any way, we might be compelled.”

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that Manipur’s territorial integrity would remain intact, there have been reports that an autonomous territorial council and pan-Naga cultural body could be a part of the final agreement. Manipur, according to a state government official familiar with the process, has got indications that the Naga talks are in the final lap, and sections in the Union government are seeking to push it through, possibly as early as this monsoon session which kicks off on July 18.

“If the solution involves any part of Manipur – be it cultural, administrative, traditional, eco- as ‘prasad’ of Maa Vindhyavasini and save water.

Modi said farmers should take up bamboo farming to increase their income. “Those who are now indulging in politics in the name of farmers had no time to raise the minimum support price. They sat on files. We raised the MSP by 1.5 times,” he said.

“A recent international report says five crore people have come out of poverty in the last two years. Isn’t this the fruit of the government’s schemes?”

Modi said his government was working on bringing out a National Health Protection Scheme soon. “We are bringing about a health insurance scheme for the poor. Some people are calling it Modicare. Schemes like life insurance and accident insurance will be available at ₹1 a month and 90 paise per day.”