Imphal: The Manipur government has initiated talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) to end the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the apex Naga body, but the organisation has sought a postponement of the proposed meeting.
The blockade was launched following the killing of six Naga civilians, with the UNC demanding justice for the victims.
Manipur Home Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Ashok Kumar has invited UNC president Ng Lorho and other representatives to attend a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 3.
In a letter, Kumar said the meeting has been called to discuss the prevailing law and order situation, restoration of peace, security and normalcy in the state. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 3 pm at the Conference Hall of the Old Secretariat Building (South Block) in Imphal.
However, the UNC sought a deferment of the meeting, saying August 3 coincides with the observance of the signing of the Naga Framework Agreement and that it would be inconvenient for its representatives to travel to Imphal under the prevailing circumstances.
In a reply to the Home Commissioner, UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang proposed that the meeting be held after August 3 at the Senapati district headquarters.