Radhabinod Koijam cautions government on talks with UNC
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 14 2011: Opposition leader and NCP president, Radhabinod Koijam, today cautioned Manipur government over its decision to hold another round of talks with the UNC at the Senapati district HQ on May 30 observing that behind the talks there looms the demand for greater Nagaland.

The cabinet of the SPF government had, on Friday, resolved to hold another round of talks with the UNC on May 30 next at Senapati district headquarters.

Since the talks are related with UNC's demand for a separate administration for the Nagas in Manipur, the government should think twice before taking any decision, Radhabinod said.

Addressing at a gathering at the flag hoisting ceremony of NCP candidate for the May 25 IMC election at Yumjao Lairembi, Yumnam Leikai ground today, the former Chief Minister said that the holding of talks to bring a solution to the UNC demand is encouraging but care should be taken if any matter against the interest of state integrity.

The agenda of the tripartite talks of an "alternative arrangement" is part of the NSCN-IM's demand for formation of a greater Nagaland.

The hidden agenda behind the UNC's demand is well known to all, he added.

The opposition leader who talked on various issues, also mentioned on the plebiscite demand and asked whether the Manipur government is going to avoid it.

The proposed conduct of a plebiscite to bring an end to the armed conflict in the state is a good step to initiate peace talks.

There will be no problem in conducting a plebiscite.

After all, the NSCN-IM, seeking sovereignty, is holding talks with the Centre and both sides have relaxed their stands on some matters, he asserted.

Observing that the ruling SPF government is not going hand in hand with the people, Radhabinod sought the support of the people to prevent the government coming to power after the next Assembly election.

Saikul MLA Doukhomang Khongsai also attended the flag hoisting ceremony of NCP candidate Pheiroijam Memchatombi (Abe), contesting from Ward No.11, urged the people not to take the IMC election lightly saying that is an important election for the people.

The result of the IMC election will definitely give an impact to the Assembly election which is coming up within a short time.

His party is working hard to secure at least 10 seats in the election and to become a partner in the government which would be formed after defeating the Congress, he asserted.

Kshetrigao MLA, Th Nandakishore, former MLA L Ibohal, NCP state unit general secretary, Roshan Meishnam and retired director of Adult Education, Nongmaithem Nilamani also attended the flag hoisting ceremony.

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