Manipur CM in Senapati district on Wednesday
Imphal, July 8: In an effort to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the six slain Naga hostages, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday held talks with leaders of Naga civil society organisations (CSOs) in Senapati district.
The hour-long meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Senapati, focused on the unresolved issue of the six Naga victims whose bodies remain in the mortuary, as well as the ongoing economic blockade imposed by Naga organisations.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, United Naga Council (UNC) President Ng. Lorho described the discussions as "fruitful and meaningful" but said they ended without a resolution.
"We had a very fruitful and meaningful talk. Still, there is no conclusion. It is an inconclusive talk," Lorho said.
On the issue of the six Naga victims, whose mortal remains are yet to be claimed, Lorho reiterated that the UNC would not take custody of the bodies until its demands were met.
"The bodies are still in the mortuary. Until our four demands are fulfilled, we are not in a position to claim or take the dead bodies," he said.
Lorho said the council's four key demands include the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, the arrest of all those allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians, the arrest of the chief of Leilon Vaiphei village, and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from office.
According to Lorho, the State Government urged the UNC to withdraw the economic blockade and also acknowledged the role played by Naga village guards in securing the release of 14 Kuki hostages on June 9.
"On the side of the Government, they requested us to lift the economic blockade. They also conveyed their appreciation to the UNC for the goodwill release of the 14 hostages on June 9," he said.
Meanwhile, there was no immediate official statement from the Chief Minister's Office on the outcome of the talks.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Loshii Dikho, MLAs Th. Robindro Singh, J. Kumo Sha and Sheikh Noorul Hassan, along with the Deputy Commissioner and other senior district officials.
The meeting is being seen as a significant attempt by the State Government to engage directly with Naga civil society leaders and break the impasse that has prolonged the crisis and delayed efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur.