Manipur government to start talks with militants

Imphal, Nov 6 (UNI) The Manipur government has decided to hold talks with militant outfits operating in the state.

The Centre has already signed suspension of operations with 22 Kuki militant organisations and more groups are expected to come forward for the talks.

Officials said the Manipur Cabinet discussed the issue last evening and decided to start works to hold talks with the Kangleipak Communist Party Military Council (KCP-MC).

The militant outfit have hinted at the possibility of holding talks, if the surrender policy is properly implemented.

The Chief Secretary would work out the details and head the negotiation work, if necessary.

The other major militant outfits operating in the state had, however, rejected the peace proposal and termed the 'peace talks' as surrender of their cause.

The talks with Kuki militants are held at the Central level and a senior police official of the state government is involved in the talks.

But, the government has decided to keep all militants of the groups on truce in a designated camp.

The Cabinet also gave its approval for setting up a centre of the Indira Gandhi University National Tribal University in the hill districts of Manipur.

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