Imphal, August 13: Categorically stating that the internal affairs of Manipur should be settled by the Manipuris themselves, the United Committee Manipur today stated that Nagaland based NGOs should not be party to any negotiations to end the deadlock over the June 18 declaration.

In a statement, UCM said that even if the Prime Minister brokers a meeting where Nagaland based NGOs are to be present, the Chief Minister should turn down such invitations in the interest of the land.

Initially it was felt that ANSAM had relaxed its economic blockade taking into consideration the suffering of the people, but now it is apparent that the blockade was called off as the NSCN (IM) had suffered heavy losses during the more than 50 days economic blockade, added UCM.

This is confirmed by the point that the NSCN (IM) has suddenly jacked up the taxes imposed on the vehicles to make up for the loss incurred in the last 50 days or so, said UCM.

This is the precise reason why the drivers have made it clear that they are not ready to ply on NH-39 but have preferred NH-53, argued UCM and added that the democratic rights of the drivers to choose the route of their choice should be respected by all concerned.

The fact that the Irang bridge was dismantled on NH-53 while not one single bridge was targeted on NH-39 is ample proof that the NSCN (IM) wants the people living in the periphery of NH-53 to continue living as second class citizens and rob them of the opportunity that a highway can give them, charged UCM.

The statement said that UCM will face any attempt to stop vehicular movements on NH-53.