Govt to meet KSDC today
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 19 2012: The State Government is all set to meet the leaders of Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC), which has called an indefinite public blockade along all National Highways and State Highways passing through Kuki-inhibited areas since November 17 over the demand for creation of a separate homeland of the Kukis, tomorrow.

A joint meeting to discuss the matter has been scheduled at 3:30 pm tomorrow at the office chamber of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam located at the State Secretariat building.

Talking to media persons here today, Gaikhangam, who returned from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, said that since the Union Home Minister has given assurance over starting a political dialogue between the Government of India and the Kuki people represented by KSDC and Kuki Militant organizations presently under SoO agreement, it is quite hopeful that the KSDC would lift its indefinite public blockade in the interest of the general public.

Gaikhangam, who also holds the portfolio of Home, informed that during his meeting with the Union Home Minister, he had highlighted the grievances of Kuki people and the Union Home Minister conveyed that a team of senior officials of the Home Department would be sent to Manipur to take stock of the prevailing situation.

Accordingly, KSDC has been informed of the desire of the State Government for a joint meeting at 3.30 pm tomorrow.

Gaikhangam observed that carrying out blockades along all National and State Highways in the state would not only cause inconveniences to the general public but also to those involved in carrying out the blockade.

It is just like punishing oneself and using security forces to control the situation will not be a wise decision at the moment.

Replying to a query, Gaikhangam said that the issue of re-implementation of ILP in the state is the desire of the people of the state and at the same time the Governor has also given his assent in this regard.

So, the State Government would be sending yet another reminder to the Central Government for doing the needful.

He also informed that the proposal of the Committee to start issuing ILP forms to the Non-Manipuris has been deferred following an understanding with the government after a joint meeting yesterday.

The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed serious concern over closure of some Petrol Pumps soon after announcement of the decision to public blockade by KSDC.

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