Solution likely in 18 months, assures SoO interlocutor to CSOs
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur, August 31 2017: The newly appointed interlocutor for the political talks with SoO groups, Dineshwar Sharma today told a group of tribal leaders who called on him today at Imphal that he plans to work out a solution within a year and a half .

The tribal leaders comprising of Hmar Inpui (the apex body of the Hmar tribe), the Thadou Inpi (the apex body of the Thadou tribe) and the Zomi Council (the apex body of Gangte, Kom, Mate, Paite, Simte, Tedim-Chin, Thangkhal, Vaiphei and Zou tribes) met Sharma at 1st MR and reportedly held discussions on a wide range of topics including the likely timeline for solving the political issues raised by the SoO groups, the UPF and KNO .

Solution likely in 18 months, assures SoO interlocutor to CSOs

During the hour-long meeting, the interlocutor is said to have conveyed his optimism that a solution will be worked out sooner than later.

“I hope to work out a solution within a year and half or I’ll quit," Sharma is quoted as having said, by the leaders .

A memorandum wherein they outlined the genesis of the armed struggles initiated by groups under UPF in Manipur was also given to Sharma .

The joint memo signed by the tribal bodies claimed that the Hmar, Zomi, Kuki and Mizo peoples have for long been undeniably the butt of derision, deprivation, exploitation and marginalisation for more than 60-years in the State of Manipur under the Indian Union .

It also recounted the merger history of the tribal land in the Indian Union, the loopholes on Hill Areas Committee Order, their disappointments with several Acts adopted by the Government concerning their land and their rights .

Inspite of the noteworthy achievements thus far under the SoO gambit, there is a looming danger of losing this fragile and hard-earned peace and of losing a golden opportunity to maintain durable peace and sustainable development unless the Government takes specific proactive steps to address the core issues through positive and transformative political dialogue, it said.

The memo also highlighted that despite Sharma's appointment as an interlocutor following the announcement made by Chief Minister NBiren Singh, on July 27 this year and his subsequent introduction to the UPF team on the August 9, 2017 in New Delhi, no official copy of the appointment has been released before the public or given to UPF representatives.