UKAL suspends stir
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2014 :
Following an assurance given by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Umang Lai Kanba Lup (UKAL) has decided to suspend their stir for some time.
Speaking to reporters at UKAL office, Palace Gate, Joint Committee on Umang Lai (JC on UL) spokesperson M Naokhamba said that people have been staging different forms of agitation ever since the State Legislative Assembly passed Shri Govindaji Temple (Third Amendment)
Bill 2014 .
However, a 14-member team of UKAL and and JC on UL led by its Chairman Ng Kangjia Mangang met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on the issue on the latter's invitation yesterday, he added.
Saying that Works Minister Kh Ratankumar was also present at the meeting, M Naokhamba said that although there was something missing between what the Chief Minister was pondering and the demand raised by UKAL, the matter was sorted out amicably at the end.
Naokhomba added that the Chief Minister patiently listened to the points raised by the UKAL team and assured them to amend the controversial Bill during the winter session of the State Assembly.
The Chief Minister also told UKAL members that the Government is helpless at this point of time as the Bill had already been passed by the State Assembly, Naokhomba said.
He added that the Chief Minister also assured them that the Government will not go against the wish of the people.
Saying that the Chief Minister had agreed to attend 'Mera Meepham' (Mera month conference) of Umang Lai Haraoba ceremonies to be held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen on October 19, Naokhamba said that O Ibobi had assured that the Government's stand on the issue would be announced at the conference.
Following this understanding, Naokhamba said, UKAL has decided to suspend all the agitations including ban of MLAs and Ministers at Lai Haraoba venues and boycott of Manipur Sangai Festival.
However, he cautioned, UKAL would launch intense agitations if the Chief Minister fails to keep his promise.
He also announced that there would be no change in the meeting scheduled for October 13 .