Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, September 26:
After advising naxalite affected states to take the initiative for talks, the Centre today asked the agitating groups to talk to the Manipur government first.
"We have said we are willing to talk to them (agitating groups).
We have also expressed that it would be better if they talk to the people in the state first and then talk to us.
We have conveyed that," Home Minister Shivraj Patil told PTI when asked about the progress on the proposed talks between the government and some agitating organizations in Manipur.
The Centre has expressed its willingness to talk to groups after former Manipur Chief Minister Rishang Keishing, who had recently met Patil, had conveyed the message from some agitating groups who were interested in holding talks.
"But for any reason, if they want to talk to us first and then talk to others even that is also acceptable to us," he said.
Asked if the suggestion had received any objections from the agitating organizations, Patil said �no, I have not received any objection so far�.
IM directives to schools: In the midst of a ceasefire with the Centre, the Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (I-M) has stepped up its campaign calling for observing certain days as important for its cause.
In a communication circulated to the press here today, it asked schools to observe January 31, March 21 and August 14 as 'Raising Day', 'Republic Day' and 'Independence Day' respectively and declare holidays on these dates.
It also asked them to observe September 27 as 'Agony Day'.