IMPHAL, Feb 3: The indefinite economic blockade imposed along National Highways leading to Manipur since November 1 last year is likely to be lifted within the next three/four days. The United Naga Council (UNC) called the indefinite blockade protesting the State Government’s plan to create Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts and subsequent creation of seven new districts.
Notably, a tripartite meeting involving the State Government, the UNC and the Central Government was held at Delhi this afternoon at the initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
While the UNC delegates demanded revocation of the State Government’s order which created seven new districts, the State Government officials maintained that the same decision could not be rolled back, informed a source.
As the deadlock continued, officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) intervened at the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The MHA officials while assuring that some concrete actions would be taken up soon, urged the UNC delegates to lift the blockade. It was reported that the UNC leaders were favourably inclined to the MHA’s intervention.
Rajnath Singh made personal efforts to ensure that the logjam between the Government of Manipur and the UNC is resolved. He asked both the parties to look for a solution. The tripartite meeting which began at 3 pm and continued till 8.30 pm was presided by MHA Joint Secretary (North East in-charge) Satyendra Garg.
The meeting discussed all aspects of the ongoing blockade, its causes as well as impacts. Apart from presenting a detail report on the creation of seven new districts, the State Government delegation agreed to release UNC president Gaidon Kamei and information secretary Sangkhel Stephen who are currently lodged in judicial custody. The UNC delegates who numbered nine said that they would consider the State Government’s proposal in a presidential council meeting.
The meeting ended with an understanding to take a final decision on the protracted issue of economic blockade at another tripartite meeting which would be held in Manipur on February 7.
Source: The Sangai Express
