Stand off over Muivah's visit takes ugly turn, trucks torched in Khuzuma
Ibobi sticks to 'no entry stand,' defers MHA summon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 04 2010: Even as the stand off between the State Government and the NSCN (IM) over the proposed visit of Th Muivah took an ugly turn, with suspected NSCN (IM) cadres setting on fire at least five Imphal bound goods laden trucks at Khuzuma yesterday, Chief Minister O Ibobi has not budged an inch with the Cabinet again re-affirming the decision taken on April 30, to stop Muivah from stepping into Manipur.

In another interesting development, the Chief Minister has turned down the suggestion of the Union Home Ministry to come to Delhi and talk things over today, on the ground that he needs to be here at this critical juncture.

People rummaging through the charred remains of a truck at Khuzuma in Nagaland last night

This is despite the Union Home Ministry offering to arrange a special flight for him to fly to Delhi today to meet the Home Minister.

However the Chief Minister is understood to have conveyed to the Union Home Ministry that he would be there on May 6 .

Taking note of the tense situation, the SPF Cabinet met twice today and the discussions centred around the proposed visit of Th Muivah as well as the upcoming election to the ADCs.

The first Cabinet meeting was held from 8.30 am till 12 pm while the second was held from 4 pm to 6.30 pm.

Briefing media persons after the Cabinet meeting, spokesman of the Government and IFCD Minister N Biren said that the Cabinet dwelt at length on the current situation whipped up by the proposed visit of Th Muivah as well as the upcoming election to the ADCs.

The Cabinet unanimously re-affirmed the earlier decision to bar the entry of Muivah to Manipur as well as to hold the ADC election as scheduled.

The Govt spokesperson further said that they have received inputs that some Naga NGOs and civil society organisations are planning to storm the security bastion at Mao Gate.

To neutralise this, the Chief Secretary of the State has sent a crash message to the Union Joint Secretary of Home Affairs, GK Pillai to do the needful and dissuade such a development.

On the trucks which were torched at Khuzuma, Biren said that the Government will study how they can be compensated under rules.

The Cabinet has also agreed to upgrade the warrant of precedence of the Chairman of the ADC.

As per protocol, the Chairman of the ADC comes in at number 33, but it has been decided to upgrade it to number 23, said Biren.