The new BJP led Government in Manipur has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) on Sunday for a dialogue to break the ice pertaining to the blockade of two major National Highways in Manipur — National Highway 53 and National Highway 2 — which had been under an economic blockade since November 1 last year.
While the erstwhile Congress Government led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had tried to convene the meeting in Imphal, the new Government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh has agreed to sent a State Government’s delegation to Senapati district to hold the talk with the UNC. The UNC had been demanding the Manipur Government to hold the meeting in Senapati district.
Sources in the Government said that the first Cabinet meeting of the Manipur Government took place last night where it was unanimously agreed to convene a meeting with the UNC to sort out the differences over the issue of blockade of the two highways, the major lifelines of the people of the State.
It may be mentioned here that the Manipur Government has been using the National Highway No 37 — from Silchar in Assam to Imphal through Jiribam — due to the ongoing blockade for transportation of essential commodities and medicines.
“Manipur’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Suresh Babu and Commissioner of Arts and Information Radha Kanta are likely to represent the Government in tomorrow’s meeting,” said a senior government functionary on condition of anonymity. He said that there will also be representation from the Central Government.
The UNC, on the other hand said that they are going to participate in the meeting scheduled for tomorrow. “We are going to participate in the meeting scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow. Beyond this I cannot say anything at this moment as we have to discuss the tomorrow’s meeting’s outcome in our presidential council meeting before taking a decision,” said UNC general secretary M Shimrey while talking to The Pioneer.
It may be mentioned here that senior BJP leader N Biren Singh took oath of office and secrecy as the new Chief Minister of the state on Wednesday last even as eight MlAs from BJP’s allies including NPP, NPF and lJP also took oath as ministers.
The Chief Minister soon after assuming charge said that the government’s priority will be to end the blockade of the two national Highways in the state, which are causing immense trouble for the people of the State.