Manipur govt to mediate in Centre-Kuki ultras talks

Imphal, Jul 30 (UNI) The Manipur government has decided to mediate in the talks between the Centre and Kuki insurgent groups operating in the state.

Official sources said the Union Home Ministry had been discussing the issue with the Manipur government since the past one year and finally decided to hold talks with the Kuki militants and also agree on Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the ultras.

Headed by Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh, a Cabinet meeting was held yesterday to discuss the issue, apart from chalking out the ground rules for the proposed talks, the sources said.

It was also decided that talks would be held once a year, within the framework of the Constitution.

The meeting also decided that the militants' designated camps would have to be be located at least 29 km away from the National Highway and international border areas, the sources added.

Presently, around 12 Kuki militant outfits are active in Manipur.

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