Imphal, October 16: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today held wide ranging discussions with AMUCO on the prevailing situation arising out of the release of thirteen NSCN (IM) members by the State Government.

During the meeting Ibobi reiterated that curfew and closure of educational institutions was enforced to prevent outbreak of untoward incidents likely to affect peaceful co-existence amongst the various communities, said AMUCO president Jagat Thoudam while talking to media-persons this afternoon.

AMUCO advisors Th Iboyaima and Dhanabir Laishram led the AMUCO team for the meeting with the CM said Thoudam adding that the team expressed grave concern at the activities and propaganda of some section of the society to communalize the issue taking advantage of the fluid situation.

He also conveyed the CM's message to the people to participate in the programmes lined up for the proposed visit of the Prime Minister, discuss relevant issues and to extract a public assurance from Vajpayee to preserve the territorial and emotional integrity of the State.

Thoudam also placed before the media-persons AMUCO's pledge to the CM to desist from and foil all attempts to communalize the issue as well as to strengthen the fraternal bond between the hill and valley people.

AMUCO also expressed its concern over the prolonged imposition of curfew and the futility of the Government's attempt to muffle the voice of the people through force, said Jagat adding that incidents of extra-judicial killing by security forces was also highlighted to the CM.

AMUCO also urged the CM to apprise the matter to the Centre.

On the burning issue of the threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur, he said the time has come for one and all to deliberate on the crucial issue threadbare as silence would further aggravate the situation.

He however added that any discussion should be without malice towards anyone.

The CM was urged to a organize public debate on the issue within October 23, he said adding that AMUCO also expressed serious concern at the detention of members of Amkil, Nipco and AMWRDS.

Acting promptly Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh immediately instructed the IG (L&O) to release the detained persons, Jagat added.

The Chief Minister met representatives of student organizations including MSF, DESAM, AISF and NSUI today afternoon to discuss the steps to ensure proceedings of the Prime Minister's forthcoming visit to the State.

Members of AMSU however did not attend the meeting convened by the Chief Minister.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Dr T Meinya and Agriculture Minister K Ranjit, were also present according to an official source.

While the student organizations exerted pressure on the Chief Minister to lift the curfew and restore normalcy, O Ibobi urged the student body representatives to refrain from calling bandhs and indulging in disruptive activities so that problems and desires of the people could be placed before the Prime Minister.

Urging for cooperation from the student bodies, the CM asked them to present the genuine aspirations and wishes of the people to the Prime Minister, said the source The source also disclosed that the CM reiterated that decision to release the 13 NSCN (IM) members was taken in the general interest of Manipur while asserting that the goodwill gesture is the first and last of its kind.

He also blamed the Centre for the present turmoil besetting the State people.