Imphal, Jan. 19: A 17-member team of the Joint Forum for Peace (JFP), a forum of more than 60 civil society organisations operating in Manipur, on Thursday urged the Union Home minister Rajnath Singh to end the blockade.
After meeting with the Union Home minister, a member of the JFP team informed that they apprised him of the ground situation in the state during the half-an-hour-long meeting. The Home minister reportedly assured that the central authorities will take necessary steps to resolve the blockade. Singh also reportedly informed the visiting team that tripartite talks with the United Naga Council involving representatives of the state and central government will also be held to discuss the Manipur blockade on January 23.
The group comprised representatives of the United Committee of Manipur,Kuki Inpi of Manipur, Kabui Mothers’ Association, All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation, Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak and others.
The JFP team is still camping in the national capital. They are also seeking an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Manipur situation. On Wednesday, Rajnath Singh had a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi in New Delhi where the central minister reportedly made it clear that if the state government fails in its constitutional duties, the government of India may have to explore other measures under the provisions of constitution of the country to ensure that difficulties of people of Manipur are alleviated.
Manipur has been reeling under indefinite economic blockade on two national highways since November 1 last year. The UNC had called the blockade to protest the Congress government’s decision to elevate Jiribam and Sadar Hills to full-fledged districts. The UNC felt that the move of the government was to divide the ancestral lands of the Naga people in Manipur.
However, the state government has denied it saying that the decision was for administrative convenience.
