WITOUBOU INTERVIEWS ME-25 JULY,2000

sangai express
25 July, 2000
Interviews Professor N.Sanajaoba
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FEAR OF AUTONOMY IS UNFOUNDED
Witoubou-In the Indian context ?
***Prof: As far as we understand in the Indian context-- it is a semi-federal country and some of the states like Punjab,Jammu and Kashmir,Assam,Manipur,Nagalnd,Tripura etc. have been demanding re-federalisation and re-structuring of the Centre's relationship with them.

Witoubou-If maximum autonomy is garnted by... Centre?
***Prof: .... Similarly,when the Maharajah of Manipur had signed the treaty on 11 August, 1947,the king of Manipur had transferred three powers like that of Jammu and Kashmir.As per the provision of the treaty,rest of the powers should be retained by the State of Manipur.
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Witoubou: What are the right initiatives in mobilising for the demand of autonomy?
*** Prof: .... Thirdly, we have a strong undercurrent or movement since 1949 of the people of Manipur to exercise their right of self-determination.There is a strong liberation movement not only in Manipur but in other parts of the North East....
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Witoubou- When 90% of our expenditure are from the Centre,how are we going to generate it if not provided by the Centre?
*** Prof: Manipur can generate its own economy. In a quasi-state or in a full-fledged State of Manipur,if the Union Government does not interfere, Manipur can maintain international economic relations with other countries.Then, we can open some industrial sectors{ sic. which India had denied for decades} like the Silicon valley, watch factories where the infrastructure and the transportation cost can[sic.] be minimum.We can open tourist centres; you can see Fiji's main economy is tourism industry.
Witoubou-
So we have enough potential and ways to exploit our resources in order to be economically independent.
*** Prof:Yes, we have lots of potential.
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