Conflict to jeopardise talks with NSCN-IM
New Delhi:The Centre has rushed around 4,000 paramilitary personnel to Manipur in the wake of violence following economic blockade on National Highways connecting the state. While around 1,500 paramilitary personnel were rushed in to Manipur in last two days, around 2,500 paramilitary were dispatched to the state last week, a senior Home Ministry official said on Tuesday.
The security personnel were sent to the Northeastern state keeping in view the security situation in the state in the wake of violence following the economic blockade imposed by the UNC on two National Highways since November 1.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council on Tuesday charged the Congress government in the state with utter failure to protect the lives and property of civilians and urged the Centre to impose President’s Rule immediately.
“We met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday and urged him to dismiss the Ibobi Singh govt and impose President’s Rule in the state,” UNC leader L Adani told reporters.
During the meeting,the Home Minister told the delegation that “he knows the situation there and will do the needful”. “However, he did not elaborate,” Mr Adani added. “Whatever is happening in Manipur, is due to the mess created by the CM. Initially, we had opposed the creation of two new districts- Sadar Hills and Jiribam. Now, he has added insult to the injuries by creating seven new districts. Nagas are hurt” he said.
The Chief Minister’s decision to create new districts is not guided by administrative necessities, but pure political game,” alleged Naga leader L Siro, pointing out that the Chief Minister’s move came at the end of his tenure and months ahead of elections.
The creation of new districts, political observers said, is aimed at appeasing the Kuki and other smaller tribes like Vaipeis and Gangtes and could help Chief Minister Ibobi Singh brave the strong anti-incumbency wave.
The UNC said the ongoing conflict and the state govt’s actions could also jeopardise in the Government of India’s talks for final agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM). (Agencies)