The UNC team, seen here, held a 7th round of tripartite talks with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur today—this time at a political level.
SENAPATI, February 6 (AGENCIES): The 7th round of tripartite talks involving the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the United Naga Council (UNC) held today at DRDA Conference hall here ended on a “positive note.”
The UNC stated in a press communiqué today that the 7th tripartite talk concluded on a “positive note with an agreement to take the talk process towards political reality.” In view of this positive outcome, and as per discussions with tribe presidents on conclusion of the talk, the UNC has decided that the line-up of civil actions kept in abeyance have been shelved for the moment.
This time, the UNC’s demand for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur has been elevated to a political level.
Gaidon Kamei, General Secretary of the UNC, also stated that the talk was a “cordial one” although no concrete decision was arrived at. The public would be informed when any developments take place on this issue, he said. In a press briefing, Chairman of ‘Alternative Arrangement Demand Committee’, Paul Leo, remarked that the arrival of the ministerial team was in itself a “positive sign of development and a step forward in the right direction.”
“In previous talks, bureaucrats were the main participants and thus they were unable to take definite decisions on the Alternative Arrangement issue which is a political one,” he added.
The discussion about the Arrangement would now be between the Union Ministry and State Government as all documents were submitted to the ministers. Shambhu Singh, Home Secretary (NE- in Charge), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led the Government of India’s delegation. The ministerial team of the Government of Manipur was led by Govindas Konthoujam, Industries minister. Francis Ngajokpa, minister Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and N. Biren, MLA took part in today’s talks.
The talks ended after two hours on the request of the Home Secretary due to an urgent situation on the Assam-Arunachal border, though sources suggest that Shambhu Singh flew to Diphu in Karbi Anglong after the talks, where he met with the local civil society. The central and state government delegates declined to comment on the outcome of the talks.
The UNC has acknowledged the Naga tribe presidents, the public of Senapati town and surrounding villages and the pastors under Senapati Karong Area Baptist Union (SKABU) for their prayers and valuable support. “We are also thankful for the overwhelming solidarity and participation of the people from all across which strengthens our movement for securing our political aspirations,” stated the UNC.
