'Manipur needs healing touch before discussing core issues'

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says UCC will not affect tribal custom and traditions; Naga peace process stuck on flag and Constitution

- SHAHID FARIDI & RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR

THE North-East is in turmoil. Continuing ethnic violence in Manipur has caused a huge loss of life and property. Most of the seven states of the region have publicly opposed the Union government's move to implement the Uniform Civil Code, and the Naga peace accord appears nowhere close to conclusion. In an interview to this newspaper, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the head of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), talks about how the UCC would not affect the tribal culture and traditions and that he sees no problem in its implementation in the north-eastern states. He reveals that the Naga peace accord is stuck because of the difference of opinion between the Central government and the Naga organisations over a separate Constitution and flag for Nagaland, and says the situation in Manipur is improving and the state requires a healing touch to bring back complete normalcy. Excerpts:

Manipur is on the boil. Violence in the state is not abating. A deep divide exists between the Meiteis and Kukis. The latter have now demanded a separate state. What do you think of crisis?

There are three communities, which dominate in Manipur -the Meiteis in the plains and the Nagas and Kukis in the hills. It is unfortunate that there was a prolonged conflict and the Central government had to intervene and deploy the Army and paramilitary forces. However, in the last 20 days, things have improved dramatically.

As you know, Home Minister Amit Shah camped there for three days and Union MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai camped there for a month. I think the situation has improved but we need to create a bridge between the two communities... a lot of healing touch is required. I think, with the passage of time, all that will happen.

At the core of the divide and dispute in Manipur is the Meitei demand for their inclusion in the Schedule Tribe list. How do you plan to handle it?