IMPHAL, December 13: The Kuki State Demand Committee has called off its proposed indefinite ‘public blockade’ following a written assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs for political dialogue with the Kuki National Organization.
According to a release of the committee, “The Kuki State Demand Committee appreciates that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India have written to the Chief Secretary of Manipur (vide 9/7/2004-T, 13 Dec 2012, North Block, New Delhi) that following the Parliament Session an official of suitable seniority from MHA would be arriving at Imphal to work out the modalities for political dialogue with KNO for the formation of Kuki State.”
“Based on the information conveyed to us by LM Khaute, ADGP, quoting letter from Devesh Dayal, Jt Secy Home, Govt of Manipur (No 2/8(1)/2010-H/L&O(KSDC)Pt., 13 Dec 2012, Imphal), KSDC would be glad to abandon our plan to blockade the ASEAN Car Rally, intended to start from 5 PM Friday 14, December 2012.”
“However, KSDC would hope that the state Govt. of Manipur, henceforth, would co-operate (as KSDC have on this occasion) with the initiative of MHA to begin political dialogue rather than raise hurdles, such as the ‘territorial integrity of Manipur’. In a mature and meaningful dialogue, transparency, plus exploration of all avenues and options, albeit within the Constitution of India must be the premise for dialogue to arrive at an amicable political solution.”
Meanwhile, the state Dy Chief Minsiter had also called a press conference at his office this late evening saying that the KSDC would be calling off the blockade along the highways especially the blockade on ASEAN car rally.
He said the government has already appealed to the KSDC to call off the propose blockade considering the ASEAN car rally and the festive season.
Newmai News Network adds: KSDC information secretary George Guite informed Newmai News Network this evening taking into confidence, the KSDC has decided to abandon the proposed `public blockade`. “But if the Central government is not sincere as the state government had done to us, we may resume our agitation any day,” George Guite said.
Kuki National Organisation (KNO) spokesman Dr Seilen Haokip informed NNN that since the written assurance to begin a political dialogue has come we are likely to sign for the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) term within a couple of days` time in New Delhi. “However, we are yet to decide officially,” added Dr Seilen Haokip.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its letter signed by under secretary M.P Singh adressed to Manipur chief secretary D.S Poonia assured that a senior official from the Ministry will be deputed to Manipur for discussing to begin the political dialogue with the Kuki militant outfits after the ongoing Parliament Session.