Imphal, April 30 2010: Observing that the proposed visit of NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district and other Naga inhabited areas of Manipur to hold consultative meetings may cause social unrest, the State Cabinet, which met today has recommended to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister not to allow the visit.

An emergency meeting of the State Cabinet was convened by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh soon after he arrived from New Delhi today afternoon and after discussing the issue minutely categorically decided that Muivah should not be allowed to visit Manipur and accordingly, recommendations of the State Cabinet to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have been sent, informed Government spokesperson and Sports Minister N Biren while talking to media after the Cabinet meeting at his official residence here.

The Cabinet meeting thoroughly discussed the proposed visit of NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from May 3 to 10 amid the imposition of economic blockade by those who are opposed to the ADC election, the UG ultimatum to non-Manipuris and the cease work strike of the Government employees.

In this given scenario, the Cabinet felt that the visit of Muivah to Somdal and other parts of Manipur may aggravate the situation.

So, the Cabinet decided that he should not be allowed to come to Manipur.

Accordingly, the Cabinet's decision has been faxed to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

Reiterating that the cease fire agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and the Government is India is limited only within the State of Nagaland and Manipur is out of its jurisdiction, the Government spokesperson also recalled the mass uprising of June 18 in 2001 when the ceasefire was extended to Manipur.

There is also the opposition to the demand for integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit, he added.

Therefore, in consideration of the possible impact it may create on the existing cordial relationship among the people, the Cabinet unanimously decided to object the proposed visit of Muivah, Biren said.

Disclosing that the Union Home Ministry has despatched a tour programme of Muivah to the DGP, the spokesperson informed that the DGP has also given his response to the Home Ministry stating clearly that no escort would be arranged and it would create social unrest.

Biren further informed that today's Cabinet meeting also discussed the ongoing cease work strike of the employees and later on entrusted the Ministerial Team (Cabinet Sub-Committee) led by Revenue Minister to work out the resources of the State.

Meanwhile, when The Sangai Express contacted, chairman of the Cease-fire Monitoring Group Retired Lt Gen Mandatta, he said that information about the proposed visit of Muivah to Manipur has been received.

However, as his responsibility is confined to monitoring the cease fire within Nagaland only, he said it would not be appropriate for him to give any comment on the issue.

It may be recalled here that 13 individuals including AK Lungalung, a leader of NSCN-IM were arrested by the police from Turibari in Kangpokpi on October 6, 2003.But all of them were released by the Govt the following day.

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