Manipur govt. regrets its inability to bring concrete proposal in districts creation; proposes next round of talk 

Our Correspondent

Imphal, March 9 (EMN): Manipur state government on Saturday expressed regret for its inability to bring a concrete proposal for the creation of new districts in Manipur.

While lamenting over its failure during the tripartite talk held with representations from Centre, Manipur government and United Naga Council (UNC) at Senapati district headquarters, the government cited that it could not bring a concrete proposal due to its preoccupation with issues at hand.

“The state government proposed that the next round of talk be held in the end of July this year to bring out concrete proposals on the issue. However, UNC did not agree and stated that it will go back to the Naga people,” an official source said.

The UNC reiterated that the developmental works to be carried out in the name of parent district.

The talk was held with aim at finding an amicable solution to the issue arising in creation of seven new districts in the state by the previous government in December 2016.

Ministry of Home Affairs (in-charge of Northeast) Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg represented the Government of India.

Earlier, protesting the government’s move, the UNC had imposed economic blockade on all national highways which pass through Manipur for more than 100 days. However, the agitation was withdrawn following an understanding with the newly-formed BJP-led coalition government which came to power in March 2017, followed by several rounds of talk.

UNC president S Kho John and Secretary S Milan led a team attended the talk while three Manipur ministers – V Hangkhalian (Agriculture), N Kayisii (Tribal Affairs Development) and Th Radheshyam (Education), besides two senior state government officials- V Vumlunmang, Principal Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) and Bobby Waikhom, secretary-cum- commissioner (Youths Affairs & Sports/ CAF & PD) represented the state government. Former UNC president Gaidon Kamei, leaders of Naga Women’s Union Manipur and other Naga organisations also attended.