Imphal, December 04, 2008: The first round of the tripartite talks between the Centre, the State Government and the KCP (MC) Jiten Group has begun from today at New Delhi.

The outcome of the first round of the meeting is stated to be 'positive'.

According to a reliable source from New Delhi, in the first round of the meeting facilitated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Centre and the State Govt explained to the UG group on the modalities of the peace talks.

Though the outcome of the first round of talks was very positive, no agreement as such has been signed between the Centre/State Govt and the UG group, the source said, adding that before signing an agreement all the necessary measures would be worked out.

Joint Secretary (North East) of the Ministry of Home Affairs AK Gowal, Chief Secretary of Manipur Rakesh, Principal Secretary (Home) DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar, IG (Intelligence) LM Khoute and officials of Army and IB attended the meeting held as a preliminary round today, the source disclosed, adding that from the side of the KCP (MC) a fivemember delegation participated in the meeting.

The next round of the meeting would be fixed and the venue decided in accordance to the convenience of the parties involved, the source said.

It may be recalled here that following a State Cabinet decision on November 5 last, the Chief Secretary had been entrusted with the task of initiating the peace talks with the UG group.

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