Now Reading: Manipur govt, UNC hold first talks; Naga body sticks to demands
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Manipur govt, UNC hold first talks; Naga body sticks to demands
Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) held their first round of talks in Senapati on Monday. The Federal reports that the meeting was 'fruitful and cordial', with both sides agreeing…
The Story in Brief
Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) held their first round of talks in Senapati on Monday. The Federal reports that the meeting was 'fruitful and cordial', with both sides agreeing to continue discussions. However, UNC president Ng Lorho said the blockade on National Highways 2 and 37 would not be lifted until its four-point charter of demands is met. The demands include abrogation of the SoO pact with Kuki groups, declaring KNF-P a terrorist organisation, removal of Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho, and arrest of KNF-P cadres. Government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam described it as an 'ice breaker' and said further rounds would follow. The blockade since June has disrupted essential supplies and raised prices.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narrative pits the UNC as unreasonable for blockading highways, but the organisation has genuine grievances over Kuki militant groups and the deputy chief minister's alleged links. At the same time, the government cannot unilaterally abrogate a Centre-negotiated SoO pact. The real test is whether the Centre will engage to break the impasse, or let the blockade deepen Manipur's economic pain. Can a state caught between ethnic politics and central policy find a solution that doesn't punish ordinary citizens?
Source: thefederal.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
