Govt performs Hiamkhaam, talks most likely ; Outcome of talks yet uncertain
public protests continue, situation still restive
Source: The Sangai Express
CCpur, November 02 2015:
The Government of Manipur has today fulfilled the pre-condition of adhering to the tribal tradition of conducting Hiamkhaam that was set by the JAC for holding talks, demonstrating that talks between the Government and the JAC is now imminent.
"We have accepted the path taken by the Government and accordingly sat with them to sort out when we will be able to talk over the table.
They proposed to have the talks on November 7, at 10 am but we have told them that our decision on the talk schedule will be intimated later as we have to first consult the entire tribal apex bodies before taking a decision," H Mangchinkhup, the JAC convenor said.
The Government, represented by LM Khaute, ADGP; Ramthanga, Principal Secretary; KT Vaiphei, IG; Thangkhanlal Guite, IG; and top officials from the district slaughtered a four-legged animal for both the parties to dine, to break the ice in accordance with the tribal tradition, and set the talk process rolling.
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As part of the tradition, the Government representatives also presented a traditional shawl each for the nine martyrs to their respective tribe leaders.
With both the parties eating the traditional dinner, it signifies that they have now agreed to hold talks but today's dinner is no indication of its likely outcome, according to a source, as the talks could still be a success or a failure.
After the State Legislative Assembly passed the three Bills on August 31, Churachandpur has been in a state of siege, following massive protest against the three Bills, which have been dubbed as 'anti-tribals' .
Nine people died in the uproar on August 31 and September 1 and since then the JAC constituted against the said Bills has been spearheading a series of protest agitation.
Schools were closed for a protracted period of time and it was only recently that the schools started re-opening.
Even today, all schools open at 7 or 7.30 am but wind up before 12 pm, as the JAC sponsored bandh and mass sit-in-protests start at 2 pm and carry on till 5 pm.
After 5 pm, it is up to the Village Authorities to stage the sit-in-protests further.
Shops and commercial centres also down shutters before 2 pm and vehicles stay off the road.
The situation in Churachandpur is still restive and there is widespread fear psychosis.