Source: The Imphal Free Press
New Delhi, June 21 (PTI):
Centre today decided to convene a meeting to discuss the Manipur situation with leaders of state political parties here on Saturday, even as 19 BJP MLAs arrived here from Imphal to brief the central leadership on the situation prevailing in northeast following extension of ceasefire with NSCN(I-M).
The decision to call the meeting was taken by home minister LK Advani after Manipur Governor Ved Marwah conveyed to him sentiments of political party leaders on the issue.
Marwah, who met the state leaders at Imphal, urged Advani to hold a meeting at his level on the issues being raised by the leaders of the state, a home ministry spokesman said.
In another development, the other NSCN faction led by Khaplang described the expansion of area coverage of the ceasefire as a good turning point and asserted that it would not compromise on territory of Nagas.
NSCN(K), which has also been demanding extension of area coverage of the ceasefire, in its first public statement took strong exception to the opposition of the neighboring states to the truce.
It said Nagas do not disrespect the integrity of others and in the same manner we will not allow anybody to disrespect our identity.
Meanwhile, 19 Manipur MLAs, led by BJP legislature wing leader RK Dorendra Singh, arrived here to urge the Centre to withdraw the extension of the ceasefire.
They said they would apprise the central leaders of the situation arising out of Monday's violence on the issue when 13 people were killed.
Our correspondent adds: The 20 MLAs who are in New Delhi currently are led by PDA leader, RK Dorendro Singh.
The others are: M Hemanta, Th Bira, Songchinkhup, M Oken, W Vivekraj, Kh Amutombi, M Manihar, L Kerani, K Ranjit, Dr Y Jiten, L Tomba, Dr ,H Borobabu, M Kunjo, Onjamang Haokip, chungkhosie, Kh Chandro, P Achou and Dr Kh Loken Singh.