Source: The Imphal Free Press
Kohima, August 02 (PTI):
Twelve of the MLAs of the state who have been sojourning in New Delhi for the past one and a half months to campaign against the decision to extend the NSCN(IM) ceasefire without territorial limits have returned to Imphal.
The MLAs who returned today are led by Assembly Speaker Dr S Dhananjoy, and include H Bidur, N Zatawn, M Amutombi, S Chandra, N Bihari, M Oken, Onjamang Haokip, Dr Kh Loken, L Kerani, W Vivek Raj and L Tomba.
Reliable sources added that the MLAs who are still staying back in New Delhi would also be returning within the next two or three days.
With the arrival of the 12 MLAs in the state capital, security for them has also been tightened, the sources added.
While some MLAs have returned to their respective homes, most of the returned MLAs are reported to be taking shelter in high security areas such as the Ist and 2nd MR campuses.
It may be mentioned that the state's MLAs and MPs, under the banner of the MLAs and MPs Forum, had campaigned vigorously with Central leaders for the revocation of the decision to extend the territorial limits of the ceasefire.
In the meantime, the BJP MLA Col H Bhuban Singh has left Imphal for Gnwahati today.
It is understood that he may continue on to New Delhi.
The returning MLAs, speaking to IFP, said the President's Rule administration which came into place after the state government was dismissed and the Assembly placed under suspended animation should take responsibility for the deaths and loss of property since the June 18 tragedy.
Castigating the Central government for its blatant disregard of the people's will by extending the NSCN(IM) ceasefire to Manipur despite the four resolutions of the state Assembly opposing it, they also said the Centre must pay ex-gratia and compensation for the deaths, injuries suffered and loss of property during the anti-ceasefire agitation.