CM again appeals for political dialogue to UGs
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 11 2011:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today reiterated the government's appeal to underground outfits of the state to shun violence and come to the negotiating table for a political solution to the prevailing conflict situation in the state.
He extended the offer in reply to a question raised by opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, V Hangkhanlian and other opposition members.
Radhabinod Koijam pointed out that nothing was mentioned in the Governor's address about government initiatives to usher in peace in the state saying that the government had got a golden opportunity to initiate a peace dialogue when UNLF Chairman RK Meghen was "arrested" .
O Ibobi said that there are broadly two approaches to peace talks viz.
the NSCM-IM�Central Government approach or the tripartite approach involving the State and Central Government such as SoO signed between the State and Central governments and Kuki underground groups.
The Chief Minister said his government will attempt to bring a prompt and sustainable political solution with the SoO signatories for which frequent meetings of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) have been initiated with leaders of Kuki underground groups.
He went on to say that it is obligatory for the UG groups to come forward for talks.
MLA V Hangkhanlian said that even though the Governor's address touched upon the achievements of the State government in bringing the two Kuki underground groups, UPF and KNO, under SoO, and consequently settling them in their respective designated camps with their arms and ammunitions put behind closed doors, the address felt short of underscoring just how long they are going to be kept in the camps and how long is the agreement binding on them.
The government needs to have a time bound approach for a sustainable peace with the SoO groups, he said.