UNC lifts 139 days old economic blockade after tripartite talk
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 19 2017: The 139 days old economic blockade which smashed all previous records of economic blockades has been lifted with effect from tonight.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has agreed to lift the economic blockade after another round of tripartite talk involving both the State Government and the Central Government was held at Senapati district headquarters this afternoon.

The tripartite meeting was chaired by Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary (North East in-charge) Satyendra Garg.

Apart from acknowledging the grievances of the UNC which led to imposition of the economic blockade, the State Government agreed to start consultation with all stake holders to redress the grievances, according to a joint statement signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu, UNC general secretary S Milan, Commissioner (Works) K Radhakumar, ANSAM president Seth Shatsang and Naga Women's Union president LM Tabitha.

UNC lifts 139 days old economic blockade after tripartite talk

"To create conducive environment for the democratic process of consultation and dialogue, the UNC will lift the economic blockade with effect from tonight", reads the joint statement.

In response, the State Government has agreed to release UNC president Gaidon Kamei and information secretary Stephen Sangkhel without any condition, and all cases related to the economic blockade would be closed.

As agreed today, another round of tripartite meeting would be held at the political level within a month.

Even though Satyendra Garg told reporters that the tripartite meeting ended on a positive note, the UNC leaders did not take a decision to lift the economic blockade.

Responding to a query on whether the newly created districts are likely to be rolled back, the Joint Secretary, MHA NE in-charge said "at this moment it is not for me to comment on this issue but all the grievances, mainly the point of view of the UNC regarding the creation of new districts placed in table today will be considered" .

They held a consultative meeting with other members.

After around half an hour, the UNC leaders announced that they have decided to lift the economic blockade with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Th Biswajit who has been appointed spokesman of the BJP led Government told media persons that they took up the initiative of holding fresh dialogue with the UNC in view of the people's prolonged suffering with a vision to bring unity and development in the State.

Informing that the State Government has come to an understanding with the UNC, Biswajit conveyed gratitude on behalf of BJP and all its allies to all sections of people who made the dialogue process fruitful.

The alliance has already started translating into action Prime Minister Narendra Modi's care and concern for all the communities of Manipur.

The BJP led Government would lay emphasis on education sector and it would work wholeheartedly to bring speedy socio-economic development in the State, Biswajit added.