Imphal, May 20, 2010: Leaders of the Opposition parties have today exerted pressure on the Governor to convene a special session of the State Assembly to discuss the resignation of seven Naga MLAs against the decision of the State Government to ban the entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to Manipur and shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products in the State.

Though the Governor said that he understands the propriety of convening a special Assembly session, he however conveyed to the Opposition leaders that no discussion has been taken with the Chief Minister in this regard so far.

A delegation of Opposition leaders comprising president of State NCP unit Radhabinod Koijam, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang, MLA O Joy of MPP, ex- MP W Kullabidhu of JD(S) and RSP State secretary Ratan Ningthouj a called on Governor Gurbachan Jagat at the Raj Bhavan today.

During the meeting, the delegation also submitted a memorandum highlighting the resolutions adopted in the joint meeting of seven political parties held yesterday.

Talking to media persons after the meeting with the Governor, O Joy observed that as the Assembly Speaker is yet to accept the resignation letters of the seven Naga independent MLAs, who resigned over the issue of Muivah being banned from entering Manipur, there is lot of political complication.

Moreover, as normal life of the people have been affected seriously following shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products, there is the need for a special Assembly session to discuss the matter.

Questioning why the special Assembly session should not be convened when some Naga NGOs, Nagaland Govt.and MLAs are speaking against the integrity of Manipur, Joy demanded to know whether this is not the responsibility of the Assembly or not.

Interference of the Nagaland Govt into the internal security matter of another State without understanding of the inter-State relations is nothing but challenging the Govt of Manipur.

To stop such undue interference, the Governor ought to communicate with the Union Home Minister for doing the needful, Joy said, adding-that the same had been brought to the notice of the Governor.

Pointing out that the Manipur Hill Areas District Council Act had been passed by the Assembly after the approval given by the Hill Areas Committee which has 20 members, Joy asserted from the manner of objecting to the ADC election while nothing had been said earlier there is no reason why one should not conclude that Muivah is still trying to disintegrate Manipur.

Demanding that the Centre as well as the State Government should ensure reopening of the National Highways and transportation of essential commodities along with deploying necessary security forces, Joy said that since 1995 NSCN (IM) has been openly imposing various illegal taxes along the National Highways on the pretext of peace talks.

Joy conveyed that the Opposition leaders also exerted pressure on the Governor for taking necessary initiative for development of National Highway 53.During the meeting, the Governor reportedly informed the Opposition leaders that he has been providing the latest reports of the situation in Manipur to the Centre so as to solve the problem.