Tripartite talks delayed
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 11 2017:
The much hyped news on 'resumption of tripartite talks' on the district creation issue involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the State Government of Manipur and the Central Government has been delayed by a week's time.
Sources from the United Naga Council (UNC) said that the talk was supposed to be held this week but it is likely that the talk will not happen this week.
According to the sources, there was a communication among the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Government of Manipur and the UNC in this regard yesterday.
The MHA had reportedly informed the UNC that a formal invitation to resume the tripartite talks will come within a day or two.
In which case, the talks will not happen within this week.
According to the sources, there was understanding last week between the involving parties that the tripartite talk should be held by May 10.However, due to certain situation it has to be delayed by a week's time, said the sources.
In the last tripartite talk on March 19 in Senapati it was agreed upon that the "next round of tripartite talks will be resumed within a month's time at political level".
The one month's time had lapsed on April 19 .
Last week, UNC President, Gaidon Kamei had stated that "we are closely observing" whether the Biren Singh Government has wavered from its earlier position.
"Let us hope that the Manipur Government does not indulge in double-talks while dealing with the issue" .
In March 19 tripartite talk, the "grievances of UNC that led to the imposition of economic blockade were recognised as non-adherence to the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the Government of India' assurance on the matter".
In that talk "the Manipur government agreed to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same" .
Following this, the UNC lifted the four and a half months old economic blockade on the National Highways linking Manipur from the midnight of March 19 .
Gaidon Kamei had stated earlier that in the event of the failure from the part of the Manipur Government to keep its commitment to adhere to the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and assurances, "we have no choice but to initiate necessary movement to defend our rights and lands" .
"Our position is clear on the issue.
The Government must honour the four MoUs and the assurance to the Nagas on the issue whatever it is," asserted Gaidon Kamei, adding, "We are not going to compromise our position" .