Manipur ministers, MLAs call on Rajnath Singh

IMPHAL — A delegation of ministers and ruling MLAs led by Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh of Manipur Legislative Assembly on Monday met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his office in New Delhi, in connection with the unrest and violence in the state.

During the meeting, the delegation urged the Union minister to help stop violence in the state and bring peace, apart from protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur, sources said.

When contacted, Manipur’s Education minister Thounaojam Basantakumar, who was also present during the day’s meeting with the Union Defence minister, informed that they will also be meeting other central leaders.

The delegation, which is presently staying in New Delhi to meet the central leaders, includes Rajya Sabha MP Maharaj Sanajaoba, ministers Govindas Konthoujam (Works), Dr. S Ranjan (Health & Family Welfare), H Dingo (Social Welfare) and MLAs are L Rameshore, K  Robindro, Th Shyamkumar, Kh Joykishan, RK Imo, Th Arunkumar, S Kunjakeswor, Kh Ibomcha, S Kebi, S Premchandra, Md Ashab Uddin, Md Abdul Nasir, I Nalini and Sheikh Noorol Hasan.

The delegation also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India in connection with the present unrest in the state.

It may be mentioned that leaders of 10 like-minded non-BJP political parties from Manipur are still waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appointment to discuss the present situation in the border state.

The political parties are Congress, JD (U), CPI, CPI (M), AAP, Trinamool Congress, All India Forward Bloc, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP and Revolutionary Socialist Party.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Guwahati Centre, led by Sunita Kulkarni and Lt Gen (Retd.) K Himalay, separately met Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan on Monday, Raj Bhavan Imphal sources said.

The Samiti expressed their grief to see the plight of internally displaced people who are taking shelter in different relief camps. The Samiti also distributed essential items to different relief camps, especially for pregnant women, and organised medical camps at various places.

The Samiti assured to extend full cooperation to restore normalcy in the state at the earliest possible time so that displaced people can return to their respective places.

The Governor informed them about the measures taken up by the Centre and the state to restore peace and tranquility.

On the other hand Lt Gen (Retd) K Himalay, who is a member of Consultative Committee of Manipur Government on Naga peace talks, shared his vast experiences on restoration of peace and normalcy.