Senapati: The first round of talks between the agitating Senapati District Frontal Organisations and the Government of Manipur was held on Monday at the Old Secretariat Conference Hall in Imphal.
The Government of Manipur was represented by Works Minister Govindas, Power Minister Biswajit, MLA Kumo Sha, an ADGP, the Home Commissioner, and the Imphal East SP. A 14-member delegation of Senapati District Frontal Organisations was led by Naga People’s Organization President Kuba Peter, Senapati District Students Association President Saloni Tony, and Senapati District Women’s Association President RN. Hannah.
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The district organisations presented a charter of demands, which included a formal apology from Arambai Tenggol Unit-18, involvement of valley-based civil society organisations (CSOs) in resolving the issue, and charges with stringent punishment for all individuals involved in the attempted murder and extortion of two Naga youths on October 31, 2024. Additional demands included ensuring justice for the victims, prohibiting any form of donation or tax collection from Naga truckers, traders, and commuters by valley-based organisations or groups, and holding the Government of Manipur and the concerned CSOs responsible for any issues affecting the Naga community arising from this matter. The charter also specified that any violation of this agreement would be addressed according to the severity of the offence, in line with customary law.
Representatives from the district organisations who attended the meeting stated that the talks were positive, with government representatives agreeing to present the charter of demands to the Chief Minister and address the agitation at the earliest. However, the meeting concluded without a deadlock between the two sides.
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It may be noted that an economic blockade, restricting commercial vehicular movement, was enforced immediately following a 24-hour shutdown on November 2 called by the Senapati District Frontal Organisations, including the NPO, SDSA, and SDWA, in response to the attempted murder and robbery of two Naga youths in Lamsang on October 31. NPO officials stated that the agitation would continue until justice is delivered to the victims.
Senapati District Police reported that approximately 400 loaded trucks have been stranded between the Manipur-Nagaland border town of Mao Gate and Senapati Bazaar due to the ongoing bandh.