The proposed indefinite ‘public blockade’ has been called off today by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) following a written assurance given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) intimated to the state government of Manipur as well as to the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the KSDC.
KSDC information secretary George Guite informed this evening taking into confidence, the KSDC has decided to abandon the proposed ‘public blockade’. “But if the Central government is not sincere as the state government had done to us, we may resume our agitation any day,” George Guite said.
Meanwhile, the communique of the KSDC said, “The Kuki State Demand Committee appreciates that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India have written to the Chief Secretary of Manipur (vide 9/7/2004-T, 13 Dec 2012, North Block, New Delhi) that following the Parliament Session an official of suitable seniority from MHA would be arriving at Imphal to work out the modalities for political dialogue with KNO for the formation of Kuki State. Based on the information conveyed to us by LM Khaute, aditional director general of police (ADGP), quoting letter from Devesh Dayal, Jt Secy Home, Govt of Manipur (No 2/8(1)/2010-H/L&O(KSDC)Pt., 13 Dec 2012, Imphal), KSDC would be glad to abandon our plan to blockade the Public Blockade and ASEAN Car Rally, intended to start from 5 pm of December 14, 2012. However, KSDC would hope that the state Govt. of Manipur, henceforth, would co-operate (as KSDC have on this occasion) with the initiative of MHA to begin political dialogue rather than raise hurdles, such as the ‘territorial integrity of Manipur’. In a mature and meaningful dialogue, transparency, plus exploration of all avenues and options, albeit within the Constitution of India must be the premise for dialogue to arrive at an amicable political solution”.
Kuki National Organisation (KNO) spokesman Dr Seilen Haokip informed that since the written assurance to begin a political dialogue has come we are likely to sign for the extension of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) term within a couple of days’ time in New Delhi. “However, we are yet to decide officially,” added Dr Seilen Haokip.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its letter signed by under secretary M.P Singh adressed to Manipur chief secretary D.S Poonia assured that a senior official from the Ministry will be deputed to Manipur for discussing to begin the political dialogue with the Kuki militant outfits after the ongoing Parliament Session.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters this evening, Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam expressed hope that the KSDC would call off the proposed blockade which was slated to begin from 5 pm of December 14 demanding for the political dialogue between the government and the KSDC and the Kuki militant outfits under SoO agreement.
“I appeal to the KSDC to roll back the proposed blockade in the interest of ther people,” said Gaikhangam. He then expressed hope that the KSDC would do so as the government had done what it demanded–the written assurance to begin a political dialogue.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kuki-blockade-called-off/
