No breakthrough achieved in first meet between KIM, CM
Agitation against three Bills passed by the Assembly
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2015 : Delegates of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) today met the Chief Minister at his Secretariat in connection with the contentious Bills passed by the State Assembly on Aug 31.KIM had earlier submitted a memorandum to the State Government on September 21 .

However, no breakthrough was made during the meeting today.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a Minister on condition of anonymity said that the meeting between the KIM delegates and the Chief Minister was held from 2 pm to 7.30 pm.

During the meeting the KIM team urged the State Government to withdraw the three Bills.

File pic of a public meeting underway at Churachandpur

In response the Chief Minister asked KIM to point out if there are any errors or if any provisions in the Bills infringe on the interest of the tribals.

If tribal interests are hurt in any manner, the State Government will withdraw the Bills, said the Minister quoting the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also suggested KIM to consult Constitutional experts to see if there are any loopholes in the three Bills.

When contacted, KIM general secretary Khaimang Chongloi said that the KIM delegates reiterated their stand to the Chief Minister to call back and place the three Bills on his table and extend invitation to all stake holders for further discussion and deliberation.

The KIM representatives reportedly told the CM to call back the Bills and place them on his table.

KIM clearly told the CM that amendment, addition or consensus on the Bills should be done in consultation with all stakeholders including civil society leaders from both the hills and valley when the Bills are placed on the table of the CM.

Reportedly, there was no concrete assurance from the Govt side on the matter.

The KIM delegation was led by its president Thangkhosei Haokip and general secretary Khaimang Chongloi.

It may be mentioned that KIM has been entrusted by various Inpis (tribe councils) including KIC, ZC, HI, MPC, VPC, UZO, STC, PTC, TCU, TTU, KRU, TTC, MTC, GTC and JAC against the three 'anti-tribal Bills', during a joint meeting held yesterday at the KIC office, Tuibuong in Churachandpur.

The meeting today between KIM and Govt of Manipur was in pursuance of the resolution adopted during the joint meeting yesterday.