Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, October 2
In a move to resolve the ongoing situation in Manipur particularly in the Churachandpur district, a talk between the state government and the Kuki Inpi Manipur(KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community in the state was held today.The talk was held at the Chief Minister’s office secretariat in Imphal.It was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led government team and 8-member KIM representatives, sources said.
A representative of KIM confirmed that they’ve attended the meeting as authorized by a joint meeting. He however informed that there is no progress as of now.
He further stated that KIM demands to call back the Bill and place on the table for discussion and reconsideration with the participation of all the stake holders both from hills and valley.
On Thursday a joint meeting in Churachandpur district besides assigning KIM to initiate dialogue with the state government on the said three Bills, decided to extend unflinching support to KIM in taking up the initiative.
Earlier in the morning, the state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh responding to a question on the government’s initiative to resolve the ongoing unrest situation in Churachandpur district headquarters, informed that the government will be holding talks with the KIM to take advice in resolving the situation in the state. Chief Minister said that the problems should be resolved through talks or dialogue.
Churachandpur district headquarters, 70 km south of Imphal, had been witnessing widespread public protest against the passing three Bills in the state assembly on August 31. The public protestors also burnt down houses of their representatives in the assembly while nine persons have lost their lives in the ongoing movement.
Even though government confidently said that the Bills will not affect the interest of the people in the hills, the Joint Action Committee which is spearheading the ongoing public movement in Churachandpur demands repeal of the three Bills saying the Bills affects the interest of the hill people.
The three Bills in question-Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015, Manipur Land revenue and land reforms (Seventh Amengment) Bill 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second amendment) Bill 2015.
