PM urges groups for dialogue
With the Manipur blockade by Naga outfits in recent months weighing heavily on his mind, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday appealed to political parties and groups from the region to come for dialogue to resolve disputes. In his address on the occasion of 64th Independence Day here, Dr Singh said his government was ready to take forward every process of talks that could lead to progress in resolution of problems of the region.
“The North-eastern part of our country has been witness to some unpleasant incident in the recent months. I would like to convey to all political parties and groups of the North East that disputes in the name of state and tribe can only harm all of us,” he said.
“Discussion and dialogue are the only options to resolve complex issues. As far as the central government is concerned, we are ready to take forward every process of talks which could lead to progress in resolution of problems,” he said.
Noting that the government had a special responsibility towards the North-eastern states, the Prime Minister said it would try to live up to that responsibility.
The Naga groups had recently blocked national highways for nearly two months to protest Manipur government’s decision not to allow NSCN (I-M) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his native village leading to scarcity of essential commodities including fuel.
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‘Criticism shouldn’t be undignified’
Age Correspondent
New Delhi
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday appeared to disapprove the use of “harsh and unpleasant words” by political parties, saying criticism should never be “undignified”. “Criticism has a place of its own in a democracy and in a progressive society. However, criticism should not be undignified,” he said, addressing the nation on the 64th Independence Day from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort.
“We should have the capacity to reconcile opposite points of view on important issues through debate and discussion. I would request all political parties to consider this issue,” Dr Singh said. He said the use of harsh and unpleasant words in the political discourse has increased in recent days. “This is against our traditions of generosity, humility and tolerance,” Dr Singh said.
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