Manipur government and UNC held their first round of talks in Senapati, with Radheshyam calling the meeting an “icebreaker” and both sides set for further discussions.
Senapati, August 10: The Manipur government on Monday held the first round of talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) at Senapati district headquarters, with both sides discussing the way forward on issues raised by the Naga body.
A high-level government delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam Singh travelled to Senapati for the meeting at the SM Sha Complex. The delegation included nine MLAs and senior government officials.
The talks began around 11:30 am and concluded at approximately 2 pm. Nine representatives of the UNC also attended the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the talks, Manipur government spokesperson and MLA Th. Radheshyam described the meeting as “fruitful and cordial” and said it marked the beginning of a series of discussions aimed at finding solutions to issues confronting the state.
“We had a very fruitful and cordial discussion. This is the first time that we have a series of discussions to find a solution,” Radheshyam said.
He expressed hope that continued dialogue, with the support of the people, would help the two sides move towards a solution.
Government says outcome will emerge through talks
The meeting came amid the UNC’s demand for the rollback of the 16-district reorganisation and restoration of the four Naga-dominated districts.
Asked about the demand, Radheshyam said the dialogue had only just begun and that it would be premature to discuss an outcome.
“Today is only an icebreaker. Let us wait for the results after a series of talks,” he said.
He did not give a timeline for addressing the four-point charter of demands submitted by the UNC, reiterating that further discussions would be necessary before any outcome could be determined.
The government delegation comprised Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam Singh and MLAs T. Robindro, P. Brojen, Th. Radheshyam, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Khasim Vasum, J. Kumo Sha, Janghemlung Panmei, Awangbow Newmai and Leishiyo Keishing.
UNC says charter of demands remains unchanged
UNC president N.G. Lorho said the meeting focused on discussing the way forward but maintained that the council would stand by its charter of demands.
He also said the UNC would not lift the blockade at this stage and indicated that the organisation could consider stronger measures if its demands were not addressed.
The remarks suggest that while the two sides have opened a dialogue, differences remain over the demands raised by the Naga body.
SoO issue also comes up
Radheshyam was also asked about the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and demands for its abrogation. He said he was not aware of the specific reasons for the extension and would need to check the matter.
Responding to questions over public demands for ending the SoO arrangement, he said the decision was ultimately a matter of Government of India 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.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam Singh did not comment on the details of the discussions when approached by the media after the meeting.
The details of the talks have not been made public. Monday’s meeting, however, marks the opening of direct dialogue between the Manipur government and the UNC as efforts continue to address issues concerning Naga-inhabited areas of the state.
