Newmai News Network Imphal | February 2 A team of Manipur government headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) left Imphal for New Delhi on Thursday to take part in the scheduled tripartite talks over the prevailing issue in Manipur. Meanwhile, jailed UNC president Gaidon Kamei and its information and publicity secretary SK Stephen headed to the national capital to join the tripartite talks to be held tomorrow, Friday, between Centre, Manipur government and UNC. It can also be mentioned here that three former UNC presidents---L Adani, Paul Leo and Samson Remmei along with All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) President Seth Shatshang are already in New Delhi since yesterday. They will participate in the talk. Gaidon and Stephen are currently facing charges under different sections of the IPC in connection with the blockade that kicked off on November 1, 2016. The court of chief judicial magistrate, Imphal East Aribam Noutuneshwari Devi allowed the UNC leaders to participate in the meeting following a prayer in this regard. The court’s order opened the door to talks between Centre, Manipur government and UNC. The Naga body had cleared its stand on joining the talks along with its two jailed leaders. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu and Works Commissioner K Radhakumar will lead the team of Manipur government in the talk. From the Centre’s side, Satyendra Garg, North East in-charge in the Ministry of Home Affairs will participate in the meeting. UNC president Kamei talked a clear line on the district creation issue, saying, “We still oppose the declaration of seven new districts by the state government.” The Naga organization has increasingly taken a position against the creation of districts. Kamei was talking to newsmen before heading to New Delhi. Dr Suresh Babu hoped a “temporary solution” to the ongoing blockade. He also expressed unhappiness over the difficulties people continue to face due to the standoff.
