JFP bats for dialogue to resolve impasse
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2016: The Joint Forum for Peace (JFP) which has been set up by 64 civil society organisations based in the hills and valley of Manipur has expressed keen desire to resolve the current impasse over the UNC's indefinite economic blockade through dialogue.

Speaking to media persons at their Lamphelpat office today, UCM president and JFP convenor Elangbam Johnson asserted that it's not the time for the State Government and Centre to just stand back and watch when all sections of people have been reeling under extreme misery.

It's time for both the State and Central Governments to intervene and resolve the impasse through dialogue, Johnson said.

JFP bats for dialogue to resolve impasse

It is no secret that the UNC's economic blockade is supported by NSCN-IM.

Some people anguished by the prolonged economic blockade have been imposing counter economic blockade in some area thereby compounding misery of the State's whole population.

The fact that the Government could not contain NSCN-IM in Manipur has been proved by the Government's inability to take up any action against the militant outfit during the past 15 years, he said.

While the State Government has been unable to check NSCN-IM, the Central Government has not been doing anything to relieve the misery of people.

Both the Central and State Governments should keep aside political considerations and focus on addressing the plight of people.

There is no point for Central Ministers to visit the State and assess the prevailing situation if they cannot take up any action, Johnson said.

If the State Government thinks that it cannot tackle NSCN-IM alone, it should join hands with the Central Government and work together, he suggested.

Neither the Manipur State Durbar nor the Manipur Legislative Assembly issued any order which demarcated any portion of Manipur as exclusive domain of either Naga, Kuki or Meitei, said Johnson.

Asserting that it was NSCN-IM's divisive policies which created conflicts among different communities, Johnson appealed to all the people bridge the trust deficits and work collectively for peaceful co-existence.

The Central Government and the State Government must bring a solution to the issue of the ongoing economic blockade one way or another.

The situation will only worsen if the Central and State Governments fail to intervene immediately, Johnson added.

Atompi Kamei, president of Kabui Mothers' Association, said that they have been working relentlessly to persuade people not to impose counter economic blockade.