Gwaltabi face-off resolved; tension subsides
Source: Hueiyen News Service / RC Mangangcha
Imphal, May 03 2015 :
The joint action committee formed against the April 30 Gwaltabi incident has on Sunday suspended the indefinite Imphal-Ukhrul road blockade after a tripartite talks between the government officials and representatives of the Gwaltabi and Thowee (Thawai) village on Sunday.
Thawai Khul chief Ng Kathing along with some villagers expressed regret for the untoward incident.
The meeting was held at the residence of the local MLA Kh Biren in 2nd Manipur Rifles battalion here.
MLA Victor Keishing, Deputy Speaker MK Presho Shimray, several representatives of Gwaltabi including local clubs and meira paibis were also present during the meeting.
Satisfied with the developments the representatives of the Gwaltabi village agreed to suspend the indefinite blockade along the Imphal-UKhrul road.
The deciding factor was the assurance given the chief minister Okram Ibobi and the MLAs concerned to pay comepsnation for the losses faced by the villagers.
The deadline was May 15 and the Gwalabi village representatives said that they shall reimpose the blockade if government backs out of the commitment.
JAC convener Phairenbam Rajesh told reporters that it would go on strike again if its demand for payment of compensation for the loss of properties of Gwaltabi is not fulfilled according to the deadline set by the State Government.
At least 30 houses and 10 shops were destroyed in Gwaltabi following the attack, he said.
Many civil society organsations like Threatened Indigenous People's Society (TIPS), Manipur, Manipur Peace & Integrity (MAPI) Council, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), United Committee Manipur (UCM), Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meiralup (Kanglamei) Birmangol College Students' Union had called for maintaining peace and harmony in the aftermath of the Gwaltabi incident.