The Manipur government has initiated dialogue with the United Naga Council (UNC) in an effort to end the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the apex Naga body. However, the UNC has requested that the proposed meeting be rescheduled.
The blockade was launched following the killing of six Naga civilians, with the organisation demanding justice for the victims and appropriate action against those responsible.
In a letter addressed to UNC president Ng Lorho, Manipur Home Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Ashok Kumar invited the council’s leadership to attend a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on August 3.
According to the letter, the meeting has been convened to discuss the prevailing law and order situation in the state, as well as measures for restoring peace, security and normalcy. It has been scheduled for 3 pm at the Conference Hall of the Old Secretariat Building (South Block) in Imphal.
However, the UNC has sought a postponement of the meeting, stating that August 3 coincides with the observance of the Naga Framework Agreement signing, making it inconvenient for its representatives to travel to Imphal under the current circumstances.
In a reply to the Home Commissioner, UNC General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang proposed that the meeting be held after August 3 at the Senapati district headquarters instead.
The development comes amid continued efforts by the state and central governments to restore normalcy and ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities affected by the ongoing blockade.
