SoO dialogue : Union Cabinet sitting on it
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 08 2013:
On account of the general strike called by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) urging for political dialogue between the Government and Kuki UG groups under SoO pact, Manipur has been literally cut off from the rest of the world.
The strike has disconnected Imphal-Dimapur highway, Imphal-Moreh highway, Imphal-Ukhrul road as well as Imphal-Jiribam highway.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Union Cabinet is yet to give its consent for initiation of political dialogue with KNO, one of the two conglomerates of Kuki UG groups under SoO pact with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India sent a proposal to the Union Cabinet about six months back to start political dialogue with KNO but the same proposal is yet to get official approval, informed an official source.
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Nevertheless, the Government of India has already agreed to appoint PC Haldar as interlocutor for the proposed political dialogue.
Along Imphal-Dimapur highway, beyond Sapermeina till Taphou all commercial centres remained closed today.
Likewise, all Government as well as private institutions were shut.
Except for a few light vehicles seen here and there, the whole length of the highway wore a deserted look beyond Kanglatongbi.
Even as the United People's Front (UPF), the other umbrella body under SoO pact has declared not to support the general strike, movement of people and vehicles was restricted at Saitu-Gamphazol and Sapermeina.
Although Sapermeina Bazar remained open as usual, very few people were seen at the market.
General strike supporters squatted on the middle of Imphal-Ukhrul at Mahadev.
The protesters who literally cut off the road chanted "We demand Kukiland for Kuki State" .