Shuttling Meghen around will backfire : RB
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 11 2011: Shuffling UNLF Chairman Sana Yaima alias RK Meghen to and fro from NIA Special Court at Guwahati for trial would not be conducive for any political dialogue with the outfit, to resolve the conflict situation being witnessed in Manipur.

The rebel leader should be placed in a house or a bungalow before initiating any dialogue process, stated Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam.

Taking part in the final discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address given on the opening day of ongoing Assembly session, Radhabinod Koijam today asserted that the Government has not yet initiated any serious move to bring 'valley based' major insurgent outfits to the negotiating table.

He remarked that the Governor's address did not mention any means to resolve the armed conflict situation prevailing in the State.

The recent trend of women delivering demand letters, carrying bombs and hurling bombs is a clear indication that the situation has reached an alarming stage.

Such a situation has also painted a negative image as if all development works were going in reverse gear, Radhabinod noted.

RK Meghen brought to the NIA Court for another hearing-file

It seemed that the Government has not yet taken up any effective measures to check extortion by UG groups which have inked pacts with the Govt, he decried.

Noting that one UG group has set a definite deadline for non-Manipuris to leave Manipur, the Opposition leader asked if the Government has taken up any measures to protect non-Manipuris.

He went on to question if the mere claim of improving law and order situation can be a solution to all the problems and issues.

Reminding that during his four months of Chief Ministership, he declared unilateral cease-fire for one month in a bid to initiate dialogue process with insurgent groups, Radhabinod lamented that this initiative was perceived by the Government of India including the Home Ministry in the wrong light as if the then State Government was having nexus with insurgent groups.

He expressed strong desire that O Ibobi may work with a view to bring permanent peace in the State during his long years of Chief Ministership.

The discussion was also participated by V Hangkhalian and I Ibohalbi.

In his response, Chief Minister O Ibobi claimed that his government has been working to initiate dialogue with valley based UG groups through different agencies with a view to bring a permanent solution to the insurgency problem.

"As of now, any opportunity to meet rebel leaders has been eluding the Government", Ibobi stated.

Stating that all valley based groups may hold dialogue with the Government of India or engage in unilateral dialogue involving the Government of Manipur, Ibobi renewed his appeal to all UG groups to sort out the differences through peaceful dialogue with a view to posterity.

The State Government has been working hard so that District Councils can start functioning after devolving due administrative and financial powers, Ibobi stated while adding that a specific plan has been put in place for establishment of a separate High Court for Manipur.

Later, with the opposition members withdrawing their amendment motions, the motion of thanks to the Governor's address was passed by the House.