Ibobi hints at talks with UPPK
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 06 2013:
Unequivocally stating that the Government's repeated appeals to all the armed groups to return to the mainstream is ultimately bearing fruits, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh hinted at entering into peace talks with the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), which recently turned in to the Assam Rifles.
Speaking to newspersons at the CM's conference hall today, Ibobi stated that even though there is no formal approach from either side to begin negotiations, chances for a dialogue with the UPPK group in the near future are very bright.
Exuding confidence that relevant formalities would eventually take shape to begin the dialogue process with UPPK, the CM construed that the armed group deciding to give in to the Assam Rifles along with arms is an indication that the Government's determination to resolve the decades long insurgency problem is heading in the right direction.
Disclosing that Thouba-led group of KYKL/MDF had sent feelers directly to him to facilitate the dialogue process, Ibobi also appreciated decision of the armed group having over 100 strong cadres to become a component of the peace process.
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To a poser on the Village defence Force (VDF) personnel deciding to enforce indefinite bandh, he stated that the main demand of the VDF centres around increase in their salary amount.
Regretting that the VDF personnel deciding to enforce the bandh, rather than consulting authority concerned on their demand, would cause inconveniences to the general public, the Chief Minister suggested that discussion to bring about a mutual understanding would be the best way out.
With regard to the ongoing agitation in demand for disclosing real identity of the drug smuggler(s) whose consignment was seized from Tulihal Airport recently, he quoted the Director General of Police as saying that the individual (smuggler) concerned has been apprehended and confessed to his involvement in drug smuggling.
There would be no leniency against any individual involved in illegal drug trade, Ibobi asserted.
On the issue of devolution of power to the Autonomous District councils in the hill districts, he maintained that the Government is committed to empowering the ADCs and relevant process is underway to ensure the same.
While restraining self from making a commitment on whether or not the Kuki Statehood demand is feasible, Ibobi confided that necessary processes are underway to hold tripartite dialogue on all issues concerning the Kuki community.
claiming that officials of the Union Home Ministry were intimated yesterday about renewed threat by kuki Statehood demand Committee to enforce national highway blockade on the said issue, he further conveyed that the Home Ministry is awaiting clearance from the union Cabinet.