Stage set for tripartite talks today :: Do not come empty handed: Gaidon to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 22 2018:
Another round of tripartite talks involving the State Government, the UNC and the Government of India would be held tomorrow at DRDA conference hall, Senapati district headquarters.
The tripartite talks has been exploring a solution to the UNC's demand for revocation of the previous Government's order of creating seven new districts.
Notably, reacting to the decision of the previous Government led by Chief Minister to create seven new districts purportedly for administrative convenience, the UNC imposed a protracted economic blockade on National Highways leading to Imphal which was lifted only after the incumbent BJP-led coalition Government was sworn in.
So far, the three parties have held seven rounds of talk.
Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei told The Sangai Express that there had been seven rounds of tripartite talks and the UNC raised the demand to revoke the creation of seven new districts.
At the end of all these meetings, meeting proceedings were issued jointly.
Responding to the Government's appeal to give some time so that they can work out a concrete proposal with regard to the UNC's demand, the Government was given three months' time after the last round of tripartite talks was held on November 10 last year.
The UNC is well prepared to deal with Government representatives in case they come empty-handed only to explain their position, Gaidon said.
The UNC has been waiting to see what the Government has done and it would be known tomorrow.
Gaidon said that they have already chalked out different course of action they would take depending on whether tomorrow's talk turns out positive or negative.
If the talk turns out negative, the UNC's response would be negative and it would respond positively if the talk turns out positive, said the president.
While exuding confidence that the Government would act in the interest of the people, Gaidon Kamei asserted that the UNC should not be held accountable if the Government acts against the people.
If the Government is sincere enough, the UNC would respond in a befitting manner.
"However, if the Government is not sincere we will react in a manner demanded by the situation", Gaidon said.
It is reported that the State Government would be represented by Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian, Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister N Kayisii and Education Minister Th Radheshyam.
They would be assisted by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu and Secretary (Revenue) T Ranjit.
Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary (North East in-charge) Satyendra Garg who would chair the meeting arrived here today.