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04/02/2006: "Indian PM offers to talk peace with northeastern rebels"


Indian PM offers to talk peace with northeastern rebels Nagarealm .com
GUWAHATI, APRIL02 : India has offered to hold talks with rebel groups operating in the country's northeast but rejected demands for independence and any redrawing of state boundaries. "I appeal to all of you (rebels) to shun the path of violence and hold discussions," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday told reporters in Guwahati, the main city in Assam state.

"You have a prime minister from Assam ... to solve your problems," Singh said referring to his election to the national parliament from Assam. New Delhi is already holding talks with some rebel groups including representatives of the powerful United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) -- one of the most organised militant groups in the region.

The ULFA, founded in 1979, is fighting for an independent homeland. It is one of more than 30 rebel groups in the region whose demands range from greater autonomy to secession.
Singh said New Delhi wanted peace in the region which would spur economic development.
"We want to ensure that Assam develops in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility ... It is in this context we had two rounds of talks with the ULFA," Singh said of talks in New Delhi in September and February.

"If the ULFA want to talk to us they can raise any issue but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiation," he said of the group's demand for sovereignty or independence from India. Singh, who is on a two day visit to Assam to campaign for his Congress Party ahead of provincial polls next week, also appealed to voters to re-elect the Congress provincial government to strengthen the peace process.

"We believe a Congress government at the centre and in the state will provide the best possible atmosphere to find a final solution to this intricate problem. We remain committed" to continuing dialogue with the rebels, Singh said. On talks with another rebel group, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland, one of the oldest and most powerful in India's northeast, Singh said it was too early to predict how soon the insurgency would be resolved.

But he rejected the group's key demand to hive off Naga dominated areas of three other states in the northeast for the creation of a "Greater Nagaland" to unite around 1.2 million Nagas.

"As far as territorial integrity of various states is concerned no changes can be made in the present status except with the consent of those states. "We are committed to maintaining the territoral integrity of the states," Singh said. Insurgencies in the northeast have claimed about 50,000 lives since 1947. [AFP]
PM snubs Ulfa He also reminded the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that the territorial integrity of the northeastern states could not be compromised. Rahul Karmakar Hindustan Times
Gujarat, PRIME MINISTER Manmohan Singh left the ruling Congress red-faced on Saturday by ruling out any discussion on sovereignty of the state. He also reminded the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that the territorial integrity of the northeastern states could not be compromised.
The Congress had been trumpeting the "breakthrough" in the peace process with the ULFA in the run-up to the Assembly elections slated for April 3 and 10. The ULFA, which is rigid about discussing sovereignty, had also issued statements obliquely exhorting people to vote for the Congress.
The NSCN-IM, on the other hand, wants the Naga peace process to centre round the issue of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas towards creating Greater Nagalim. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur bordering Nagaland, are vehemently against this.
"They (ULFA) can raise the issue (sovereignty of Assam) but that does not mean we will discuss it. Talks can be held only within the framework of the Constitution," Singh told reporters before leaving for a series of election rallies.
On the NSCN-IM demand, he added: "The question of compromising territorial integrity without the consent of the states concerned does not arise."
On the touchy issue of influx, the Prime Minister said the Congress was committed to checking infiltration but was also duty-bound to ensure security for the minorities.
Singh also ruled out mid-term elections in the country and expressed confidence that the UPA government would complete its full term. "Our government is very much on the right track," he said. On the fate of controversial Election Commissioner N Chawla, he said he would apply his mind after returning to New Delhi.
The PM's visit, incidentally, followed the gunning down of Lal Deka, commandant of the ULFA's 109th Battalion in Goalpara district Friday evening. The ULFA had sought cessation of counter-insurgency operations as a prelude to possible talks after the elections.
Later addressing an election rally at the at the Nalbari College field, Singh assured the minorities in the state that they had nothing to fear after the repeal of the IMDT Act.
"The IMDT Act may have been repealed but the minorities should not be afraid because we are committed to ensuring that no genuine Indian citizens are harassed in the process of solving the infiltration problem," he said. An amendment to the Foreigners' Act has been brought to ensure that no citizen is harassed in the process of detection, he said.
UPA will complete full term in office Territorial integrity of northeastern states will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus for it among these states. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity of all states.": PM K Anurag in Guwahati April 01, 2006 Rediff India abroad
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday ruled out chances of mid-term elections in the country and expressed confidence that the United Progressive Alliance government would be able to complete its full term in the office.
"During the last two years in the office, the UPA government has chalked out its programme to give a new thrust to development and it is very much on course to complete its programmes in the next three years, " Dr Singh told the media at Guwahati airport on his arrival for two days of electioneering in Assam.
The UPA government is yet to take a decision of the fate of Election Commissioner N Chawla who is in the eye of a storm over the opposition charge of having links with Congress.
"We received the President's letter forwarding the complaint against Chawla Friday. I will apply my mind after going back from here and take a decision," Dr Singh said.
When drawn to the persistent demand of the Naga rebel outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), which is engaged in peace talks with government of India for integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the northeast, Dr Singh said, "Territorial integrity of northeastern states will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus for it among these states. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity of all states."
He, however, said he was not in a position to tell when the Naga insurgency problem will be solved as negotiations with insurgent outfits from Nagaland were on.
States’ consent must on territory: PM Nagaland Post
Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of north-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states' consent. Asked whether talks with the NSCN (IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN (IM) was on and "we want a fruitful solution to emerge".
"We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states," he said. The prime minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned. "We are committed to maintaining territorial integrity of all states in the North-east," he said.
The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under a Greater Nagaland. The Prime Minister also offered unconditional peace talks to all separatist groups in the region to bring an end to decades of insurgency in the region.
"I want peace to prevail and so appeal to all to shun the path of violence and hold discussions. Our doors for discussion are open to all. You have a prime minister from Assam and the northeast to solve your problems," he said. Dr. Singh said the government was ready to discuss all issues raised by the ULFA. Representatives of ULFA, which wants the creation of an independent homeland, have held two rounds of talks with the central government.
"If ULFA were to raise any issues they can do so, but that does not necessarily mean that all issues can be negotiated," Singh said. Here to bolster the ruling Congress party's poll prospects, he said: "It is in the interest of Assam that peace should prevail and the Congress governments at the centre and in Assam can provide the best possible atmosphere to solve the insurgency problem and bring misguided youths to the mainstream."
He said the thrust of five years of Congress rule in Assam had been on eliminating poverty, boosting development and bringing in peace." If the people of Assam voted the Congress to power, "in the next five years we can carry forward the struggle of development, modernisation and restoring permanent peace," he said. The two-stage elections to the 126-member assembly begin Monday. The second phase of polling takes place April 10.
On Sunday, the prime minister is to address an election meeting in the troubled eastern Karbi Anglong district, the scene of a bloody ethnic riot recently that claimed more than 100 lives. He will take the campaign straight to the heart of the main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) by addressing a rally at the garrison town of Tezpur in northern Assam.
Violence up in Nagaland Nagarealm.com [PTI]
KOHIMA, APRIL02 : Incidents of violence in Nagaland went up by three per cent while the number of civilians killed reduced by 33 per cent, a Union Home Ministry report says. According to the annual report for 2005-06 of the Ministry, the country's north-east registered an eight per cent rise in the number of incidents of violence in 2005 as against in 2004, whereas the count of civilians and security forces killed has come down to 70 from 110 in 2004.

According to the report, altogether 1,332 incidents of violence were reported from different states of north-east during 2005 as compared to 1,234 incidents in 2004. However, the annual report stated that the number of security forces killed had dropped from 110 in 2004 to 70 in 2005. It said 393 civilians lost their lives in 2005 as against 414, the previous year. But almost same number of extremists - 405 and 404 respectively - were killed in both the years.

In case of Assam, the number of incidents of violence rose by 49 per cent in 2005 from 2004. However, the figure of security personnel and civilians, who lost their lives, came down by 59 and 11 per cent respectively during the period. In Manipur, the number of incidents of violence and that of incidents of killing of security personnel and civilians shot up by 15, 39 and 79 per cent respectively, the report said. In Meghalaya, the situation showed improvement with violent incidents coming down from 47 in 2004 to 37 in 2005 when 23 extremists were killed - just one less than that of the previous year, according to the report.

177 loaded trucks stranded in Manipur Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, APRIL02 : Altogether 177 trucks, loaded with essential items, were stranded at border towns of Mao and Jiribam in Manipur as the indefinite economic blockade imposed by a tribal students' union on National Highways in the state entered sixth day on Friday. Official sources said there has been so far no arrangement to provide security to the drivers and cleaners of stranded vehicles and bring them to state capital.

Sources said 131 trucks coming along Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal NH 39 were stopped at Mao gate, about 80 km north of here. Another 46 trucks, which entered the border town of Jiribam, about 222 kms west of here along NH 53, halted there due to lack of security, they said. It was not yet known when security personnel would be sent to border towns to escort the stranded trucks to the state capital. The sources also did not offer any reason for the delay in sending security men there. The all Tribal Students Union Manipur had called the blockade to press for filling up of vacant posts of teachers in schools in the hill districts. [PTI]
NE boundaries won’t be redrawn without consent: PM Press Trust of India Guwahati | April 1
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks to hief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi during a press conference in Guwahati, Assam, Saturday, April 1. (AP Photo)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of North-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states’ consent. Asked whether talks with the NSCN (IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN (IM) was on and “we want a fruitful solution to emerge”.
“We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states,” he said. The prime minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned.
“We are committed to maintaining territorial integrity of all states in the North-east,” he said.
The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabitated areas under a Greater Nagaland.
No mercy on issue of illegal infiltration: PM Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today made it clear that Government will show no mercy on the issue of illegal infiltration but ensure that genuine citizens are not harassed in the name of detection of foreigners. “I want to assure the people of Assam that we will show no mercy on the issue of illegal infiltration. At the same time all genuine citizens of the state have my assurance that in the name of detection of foreigners they are not harassed,” Singh told a press conference here.
PM rules out sovereignty talks with ULFA
Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today ruled out any discussions with the insurgent outfit ULFA in Assam on the issue of sovereignty. “The question does not arise. We are all servants of the Constitution of India and the Constitutional position is quite clear on this,” Singh told a news conference here when asked whether the government would hold talks with ULFA over its sovereignty demands. “If ULFA wants to talk they are open to raise any issue they want but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiations,” the Prime Minister added. Asked about the perception that there were differences between the Centre and the state on tackling the ULFA problem, he said “we want peace to prevail. We want to ensure that the state develop in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
Asked whether the peace process with ULFA would continue in the event of a non-Congress government coming to power in Assam, he said a Congress government at the Centre and a party government in the state will provide the best possible option to find a solution to the “intricate problem”.
‘Profit’ talk in Assembly - Nagaland to discuss issue prior to Parliament session OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dimapur, April 1: Nagaland Assembly will have a session on Tuesday to discuss the office of profit issue, more than a month before Parliament sits to solve the sticky problem. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie has convened the 11th session (emergent) of the 10th Nagaland Assembly for the purpose. A few days ago, Nagaland Congress kindled a spark by asking Governor Shyamal Datta for disqualification of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for holding offices of profit as chairman of the Nagaland Sports Council and the Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition launched a counter-offensive by asking for the disqualification of I. Imkong, leader of the Opposition. A cabinet meeting held on Thursday discussed the disqualification of Imkong by arguing that his office as the leader of the Opposition was itself an office of profit as it is not exempted under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964. As heated arguments between the two sides continue, the government decided to call an Assembly session.
“The need was felt to discuss the office of profit issue for the benefit of all,” said Peseyie. Imkong said the government “is hatching a sinister plan” to disqualify him for being the leader of the Opposition under the state act.
“We are acting on the Parliament Act of 1959 which has been amended to date,” he said.
When the state act does not match that of the Centre, then the central act should prevail, Imkong argued. However, sources said the government is likely to bring another argument under Article 371(A) of the Constitution under which a central act is not applied in a state unless passed by the state legislature. Earlier, the Rio-led coalition argued that under the state act, Imkong was holding an office of profit as he had asked for perks of the rank of a cabinet minister. However, the Congress has said it was “amused” and termed the government’s move as “immature”. It argued that Rio and his legislators hold offices which have not been exempted under the act. While the Congress had submitted a memorandum to the governor and the Election Commission against Rio, nine legislators of the DAN coalition submitted a memorandum to the governor for disqualification of Imkong.
NE State boundaries won't be redrawn sans consent: PM The Hindu
Guwahati, April. 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of North-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states' consent.
Asked whether talks with the NSCN(IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN(IM) was on and "we want a fruitful solution to emerge".
"We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states," he said. The Prime Minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned.
"We are committed to maintaining the territorial integrity of all states in the North-east," he said. The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under a Greater Nagaland.
Jamir on solution of Naga problem The Morung Express
Goa Governor S C Jamir being presented with a bouquet by a student from Patkai Christian College at Goa Raj Bhavan on Saturday, April 1.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): Nagas should work out with the Government of India a political framework which can protect the future of the Naga people, their distinct identity and economic well-being by way of some financial package, said SC Jamir, Governor of Goa this evening in what could have been his first important comment on the protracted Naga political problem after being appointed to the gubernatorial and apolitical post in July 2004.
He was interacting with a group of 29 students of the Political Science department from Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima who are on a study tour and who had called on him here this evening, according to a press communiqué issued by OSD to Governor of Goa.
Replying to a query as to how best Nagas should go about to solve the Naga political problem, Jamir said a political framework acceptable to all parties concerned and one which could safeguard the future of the Naga people, must be worked out by the negotiating parties in consultation with all sections of the Naga community.
Asked to comment on the viability of an “independent Nagaland”, Jamir said the world has changed tremendously in the last few decades and that necessities too have changed.
“The world is a globalised village now and no nation can afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world,” he said. This is a Century of Unions”, Jamir was quoted as saying.
He pointed out that in the present day context, economic sovereignty has eclipsed political sovereignty and exhorted the younger Naga generation to set their priorities right so that they can march ahead with the changed times.
On the request of the young students, the Goa Governor who himself is a signatory of the historic 16-point Agreement of 1960 which led to the creation of the State of Nagaland in 1963, recalled the momentous events leading to the first Naga People’s Convention in 1957.
(Continued on page 3)
“The situation in the mid 1950s was horrible for the Naga people whose villages were razed to the ground and who had to flee to the jungles and live like wild animals,” he reminisced.
He pointed out that on the basis of the 16-point Memorandum submitted by the NPC to the Government of India in 1959, the 16-point Agreement was signed in July 1960 which led to insertion of Article 371 (A) in the Indian Constitution which provides for protection of the land and its resources for the Naga people and also the social and religious practices of the people.
“It is through the 16-point Agreement that today we have a Government of our own to decide our own destiny according to our own genius,” Jamir said. “The present DAN Government in Nagaland is ruling the State under the provisions of the 16-point Agreement, and the people of Nagaland should be happy for that.”
Jamir lamented the present on-going fratricide indulged in by the various factions of the Naga people and pointed out that “unless Nagas are united, understand each other, develop the sense of oneness the future for the Naga people are bleak.”
The students from Patkai College arrived here Friday evening and have been visiting various educational institutions and historical places. They are scheduled to leave for Bangalore on Monday for their next leg of education study. The team is led by Ms Maria, lecturer of Political Science department.
Former extremists fighting Assam elections The Morung Express
Kokrajhar, April 1 (PTI): A former Bodo extremist is seeking the ballot in the upcoming Assam elections. Chandan Brahma has filed his nomination papers in the Kokrajhar district. He is not the only former extremist to have taken the democratic route in Kokrajhar.
Across the region, scores of ex-militants like Sanjay Marandi, an ex- commander of the adivasi Cobra organization are contesting the elections.
While most are open about their background, others like Hopna Soren who is contesting from Dispur have chosen to downplay their past deeds. Former extremists contesting elections is also good news for the Bodoland council in the area. Their officials say it will give a much-needed boost to peace initiatives in the region.
For now, these newly converted politicians have plunged themselves into the elections, but ultimately, how successful they are will be in the hands of the Assamese people.
Eastern Command Army Commander visits Nagaland Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Army Commander, Eastern Command, being received at Rangapahar Military Station The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma, Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, ADC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command alongwith Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, Sena Medal, Vishist Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps visited Nagaland on April 1 where the General Officer was updated on the prevailing situation in the State by Major General SS Kumar, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, IGAR (North) at Kohima. Thereafter, the General Officer also called on the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio.
The General Officer also visited Rangapahar in the evening where he was briefed on the current situation by Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding Spear Corps; in the Corps Zone.
The Army Commander lauded the efforts of troops in dealing with the current insurgency in 3 Corps Zone and creating a conducive environment for the State administrations to function effectively stated a defence release. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief will be visiting the troops and formations in Manipur on April 2.
Proposed Tml stir suspended The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 31: Following an understanding reached with the government, All Zeliangrong Students Union (Assam Manipur and Nagaland) and ZSUM have temporarily suspended their office picketing agitation from today.
The understanding was reached today when a delegation of the two Zeliangrong students bodies called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh this afternoon, in which the latter assured to take immediate action towards construction of the Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
The two students bodies had even threatened to impose economic blockade along the national highways if government failed to release funds for construction of the Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
Announcing withdrawal of their agitation, a Zeliangrong students leader, while emerging out from the chief minister`s bungalow informed mediapersons that the CM assured to release the funds for development of Tamenglong-Khongsang road by tomorrow.
First phase Assam polls tomorrow Nagaland Post
New Delhi, April 1 (Agencies): The first phase of Assembly polls in Assam will be held on April 3 (Monday). Though the elections are for state legislative assemblies, they are being seen as the first big opportunity for India to react to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government's performance since May 2004, when it came to power.
Assam has a Congress government, headed by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The Bharatiya Janata Party - which is contesting 125 seats - and the Asom Gana Parishad -which is contesting 100 -are the two main opposition parties.
Much to the relief of the Congress, the AGP and the BJP have not joined hands. In the last elections in 2001, the Congress won 70 seats, while the AGP-BJP combine won 40. Altogether sixty-five constituencies will vote on Monday. The other 61 will see elections on April 10. The votes will be counted on May 11. Ending the 27-year-old insurgency in the state tops the agenda for the polls. The main militant group, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), has as usual washed its hands of the elections.
But this time, it has toned down its language. Instead of the earlier diktats to the people to strictly stay away from the polls, it has warned political parties 'not to encourage' people to participate in the poll process. ULFA has formed an 11-member Peoples' Consultative Group, which has held two rounds of talks with the government of India. The third round is expected after the assembly elections. Bangladeshi infiltration and illegal immigrants are another hot topic, with the BJP harping on it.
The AGP is fighting on the plank of what it calls 'Congress misrule.' Noted Assamese singer-turned politician Bhupen Hazarika has even written a song for the AGP. Minority issues have also been forced to the front with the newly formed Assam United Democratic Front roping in the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi to campaign for it. And, tea garden workers' issues and development in general are also expected to play a role in determining which way Assam swings. The Congress has played its two biggest cards: Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The prime minister is a Rajya Sabha member from Assam.
The AGP has flaunted former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrabu Naidu, Samjwadi Party leader Amar Singh, and former actresses Jaya Bachchan and Jaya Prada. The BJP has brought in Hindutva posterboy Narendra Modi and Bollywood yesteryears star Hema Malini.
PM to hit Asom campaign trail Nagaland Post
Guwahati, March 31 (Agencies): After Congress party president Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind day-long electioneering in Asom Thursday, it is the turn of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to try to boost Congress' fortunes in Assam. This was mentioned by Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati Friday.
Dr Singh, who is an Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from the State, is arriving in Assam Saturday for a two-day election tour. He will cover as many as four election meetings during Saturday and Sunday. On his arrival on Saturday he will campaign for the party in the silktown of Sualkuchi near Guwahati, at Mukalmua in Nalbari district. On Sunday he will address election ralies at Tezpur in northern Assam and at Donkamokam in Karbi Anglong.
The Congress ridiculed the rival Asom Gana Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party for banking on Bollywood filmstars for electioneering in the state. The AGP has roped in Jaya Prada and filmstar-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan while glamourous Hema Malini and TV star Smriti Irani have hit the campaign trail on behalf of the BJP in the state. "Bringing filmstars for electioneering in Assam is not the political culture of the state. The AGP and BJP are so frustrated and confused about how to stop the Congress from coming to power that they are roping in filmstars from Bollywood to woo voters on their behalf," Gogoi said.
CM puts off visit to affected areas after protest by Hmar body From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 1 – Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has postponed his proposed visit to Thanlon and Parbung areas in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district where atrocities and rape cases were reported to be committed by armed underground outfits. Hmar Inpui, the apex body of Hmar tribes living in Manipur said the Chief Minister would be welcome only if he proposed to spend a few days in the area and make his maiden trip to the long forgotten sub-division by road.
Despite the state administration having made all arrangements, with officials camping in Tipaimukh sub-division to ensure smooth arrangement for the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to meet the villagers of Thanlon and Parbang and inquire into their grievances in the aftermath of the reported atrocities and rape committed by the ultras, Chief Minister Ibobi postponed his maiden trip to the area after the Hmar communities’ apex body reacted strongly against the visit for only one day and that too by helicopter.
The focus drawn by the apex body of the Hmar community does merit attention and the state government would do well to mitigate their grievances any way it can.

Meanwhile, protesting the clamping of restrictions under Section 144 Cr PC at Shed No. 1 of Laxmi Bazar since February 16, members of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amandi Saktam Kanba Lup staged a 'Wakat Meepham' in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow.The women agitators demanded revocation of the restriction order immediately.
The restriction under Section Cr PC 144 has been imposed at Shed No. 1 of Laxmi Bazar since February 16 following clashes between 31 women vendors who were issued licences by the IMC newly and old licence holders over occupation of the plots on February 13. Secretary of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup Kh Rani told the media that it is unreasonable to impose such restriction order for so long and deny the rights to livelihood of the genuine licence holders.
While pointing out that the 31 women who have been issued the licences by IMC have never been vendors at the Keithel, Rani lamented the imposition of the restriction order causing hardship to genuine licence holders in earning their daily income. As repeated requests for lifting the restriction to various authorities concerned like Imphal West DC, Imphal SP, City Police and IMC Chairman went in vain, the ‘Wakat Meepham’ was staged in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow on Tuesday, she explained.


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