No hiccups in peace parleys: Pillai
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 20 2010: There is no major obstacle that can upset the ongoing peace talks between NSCN-IM and the Government of India.

There is no question of suspending the peace parleys.

The peace talk would be resumed as soon as Th Muivah who is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital, is fit to continue the dialogue, stated Union Home Secretary GK Pillai.

Speaking to media persons at Tulihal Airport before leaving Imphal for New Delhi today, Pillai stated that Union Government's interlocutor RS Pandey has gone to the USA for two/three weeks to meet his children whereas Thuingaleng Muivah is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital following an illness.

Home Secretary GK Pillai, district officials and local leaders during a visit to Shirui village in Ukhrul district on October 20

The peace parleys would be resumed once Muivah is fit enough and Pandey returns back to India, he said.

GK Pillai also stated that the matter related to reported arrest of RK Meghen would be taken up with the Bangladesh Government and request for allowing interrogation of the rebel leader.

The Union Home Secretary assured that since UNLF itself has claimed that RK Meghen had been arrested, the Government of India would be taking up the matter with its Bangladesh counterpart and request for allowing interrogation.

Talking about the development seminars held in Imphal East and Ukhrul, the Home Secretary stated that the observations, recommendations and decisions adopted at the seminars would be published in the form of a booklet within 10 days and the same would be distributed to the public.

Decisions adopted at the seminars would be put into action within a stipulated period, he added.

Addie Chiphang adds from Ukhrul: Amidst warm and colourful welcome, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai visited Shirui village, home to the exotic State flower Shirui (Siroy) lily today.

The Home Secretary who attended a development seminar halted the night at Ukhrul headquarters yesterday.

Clad in traditional attires, Advocate GA Shimray accorded a warm welcome to the visiting Central Government official.

He along with Ukhrul DC N Ashokumar and Additional Director General of Police presented traditional wears and a headgear Pasi to the Home Secretary.

In a simple but impressive function held at his residence, Shimray said that Shirui village was enlightened and held with pride with the visit of the Union Home Secretary.

It is the first ever visit made to the village by a Central representative since India got her independence, he added.

He further observed that knowing Pillai was a blessing for him in more than many counts and nevertheless, making friends with such a responsible, sincere and a man of action is indeed fortunate, he added.

Expressing his gratitude and magnifying his love and affection, Shimray announced that a park in the name of GK Pillai would be developed at his own plot of land.

Shimray said that the park would be opened to all the villagers and tourists.

GK Pillai also visited the park site where the banner inscribed 'GK Pillai Park' has been put up.

The park is just near the spot of Shirui stand where infamous standoff between NSCN-IM and Assam Rifles soldiers took place.

Pillai in his speech said that India is developing fast with its ever increasing economic growth in the past 63 years of independence.

Pillai assured that he would try his best in making the village an eco-tourism destination.

He also visited Wind Mill and Solar station at the scenic picnic hot-spots located at Phangrei and Shirui Government School.