Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19:
Taking off from the unconditional talks offer proffered by the Centre to all groups including militant groups operating in Manipur, Chief Minister O Ibobi today appealed to the public, the NGOs, meira paibis and others to help pave the way for a political dialogue that will bring a long lasting solution.
In a statement issued to the press today, the Chief Minister said that New Delhi has taken note of the cry and anguish of the people and the situation of the State has even been discussed thoroughly on the floor of Parliament.
As such this is the ideal time for all concerned to seize the opportunity and explore the avenue to chalk out a solution through political dialogues.
Acknowledging the stand of the Senior Citizens and hill based student organizations, the CM assured that once the situation improves, then the AFSPA will be revoked from other parts of the State as well.
Explaining the circumstances under which P Chittaranjan's body was disposed off by the Govt, Ibobi said that the body was laid to rest after repeated requests to the organizations to abort the idea of taking the mortal remains of the late student through sensitive zones, keeping in mind the fluid situation in the State, failed to elicit any positive response.
The organizations stuck to their stand of taking the body through the sensitive zones identified by the Govt, said the CM.
Appealing to the 32 organizations spearheading the current movement, the CM said some thought should be given to the plight of the young students, whose academic pursuit has been adversely affected.
Moreover the ongoing agitation has also put the daily wage earners under immense trouble, said the CM and appealed to the leaders of the Apunba Lup to come to the negotiating table, where a solution can be chalked out.