All Manipur Church Organisation Team Meets Manipur Chief Minister

Imphal, May 29 : Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Thursday held a meeting with a delegation of the All Manipur Church Organisation, a day after leaders of Manipur and Nagaland PCC leaders agreed to hold talks with civil society groups for an amicable solution to economic blockade.

Headed by Prim Vaiphei, the Church delegation talks with the State CM lasted for an hour.

During the meet, the Chief Minister reportedly responded "positively" to an appeal by the church delegation that suggested dialogue with the All Naga Students Association, Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC).

The delegation urged the Chief Minister to find a solution to the ongoing economic blockade as the entire state was suffering because of it.

"The Chief Minister assured us that he would extend an invitation to the Naga groups very soon," a member of the Church delegate stated.

"We are concerned about the people's welfare. So we met the chief minister. Conflicts and problems could be solved across the table," said a member.

The Chief Minister has reportedly assured the delegation his government's readiness to hold talks with any group to redress their grievances.

The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) and other Naga organizations are opposed to the district council election. They maintain that the powers given to the district councils are not enough.

ANSAM have imposed the blockade on Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur highways since April 11 to protest against the election.

However, the first phase of the election was held peacefully on Wednesday in Chandel, Sadar Hills in Senapati district and Churachandpur.

Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong districts would undergo polls on June 2 for the second phase.