Manipur witnesses shutdown for 2nd Day

Guwahati: While Manipur continues to be shut down for second consecutive for Naga talks, Co-ordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has set November 4 as deadline to reveal the details of Indo-Naga talks. Manipur continues to be restive over the outcome of talks and security has beefed up across the state. On Thursday, thousands of people came out in the streets in Manipur’s capital Imphal. The Centre on Thursday had assured that before any settlement is arrived at with Naga groups, all stakeholders including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh will be duly consulted.

The government communique stated, “It has come to notice of the Government that lots of rumours and misinformation is being spread in media including social media that final Naga settlement has been arrived at and will be announced soon. This is creating anxiety and concern in some parts of the country.” Khuraijam Athouba, member of COCOMI ,which is spearheading the movement said Prime minister, Narendra Modi must keep his word. “The Prime minister in 2017 hadassured that territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised.” COCOMI has set November 4 deadline for the government to reveal the details of talks with Naga organisations. Centre’s interlocutor R N Ravi has concluded talks with Nationalist Social Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).

On Wednesday Home minister Amit Shah had assured a delegation led by the chief minister N Biren Singh that state’s interest will be considered before finalising the agreement. NSCNIM, which wrapped up talks with Government of India on Thursday, in a first formal statement thanked different organisations. “Chief Negotiator Th. Muivah along with his delegate members on behalf of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) extended their profound gratitude and appreciation to every individual, church, forum, convention, association, national worker, prayer center/group, civil society, etc. across Nagalim and beyond for your unceasing prayers.”