Govt-UNC talks begin
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2026: The United Naga Council (UNC) and the State Government held a meeting at Senapati district headquarters today, with the Government delegation describing the meeting as "fruitful and cordial' and an initial step towards finding solutions to the issues raised by the UNC .

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, State Government spokesman and MLA Th Radheshyam said the Government delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister K Govindas Singh, went to Senapati to discuss the issues facing the State and explore possible solutions.

"We had a very fruitful and cordial discussion.

This is the first time that we are talking with the UNC to find a solution," Radheshyam said.

Govt-UNC talks begin

He expressed hope that a solution would be found through continued dialogue, with the support of the people and the blessings of God.

Asked about the UNC's demand to roll back the creation of new districts and restore the four Naga-dominated districts, Radheshyam said the Government had only begun the dialogue and that the outcome would emerge after a series of discussions.

"Today is only an icebreaker.

Let us wait for the results after a series of talks," he said.

On the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and demands for its abrogation, Radheshyam said he was not aware of the specific reasons behind the extension and would have to check and find out.

Responding to a question on the strong public demand for abrogation of the SoO agreement, he said the decision was a matter of the Government of India's policy.

"We are a democratic country and are part of India, so we have to go by the policy and decision of the Government of India," he said.

On whether a timeline could be expected for addressing the four-point charter of demands submitted by the UNC, Radheshyam reiterated that the discussions had only begun and that the outcome would depend on a series of talks.

The Government delegation reached Senapati at around 11 am for talks with the UNC .

The delegation was led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister K.Govindas Singh and included several MLAs and senior Government officials.

UNC president NG Lorho on the other hand clarified that today's event cannot be termed as "formal talks," reports NNN.

He said the formal talks are yet to start.

"The legislators came to Senapati to have an informal interaction with us.

They requested us to lift the blockade and then hold formal talks but we did not agree to the request of the legislators," said Lorho.

"We need to talk.

Solution can be arrived at only through dialogues.

However, we cannot lift the blockade before the formal talks begin.

Lifting the blockade or not should depend on the outcome of formal talks.", the Naga leader added.