In an effort to adopt a united consensus strategy on various issues, an all political parties meeting was convened in the cabinet hall of Chief Minister’s secretariat in Imphal on Sunday at the initiative of Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh to solicit the views of various parties.
The meeting of the all political parties which was chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, was convened to adopt a united consensus strategy on Indo-Myanmar border (Manipur sector), Manipur University crisis and Framework agreement between the Centre and NSCN (IM), according to a press note signed by newly appointed government spokesperson Th Radheshyam, the State Education Minister.
The meeting which was attended by office bearers of 21 regional and national political parties, was convened to address the need to take into account the views of political parties which are not represented in the State Assembly, the government spokesperson added.
A discussion in the Assembly could not felicitate on all party consensual decision.
The opposition Congress party has decided not to participate in the said meeting as the matter can be discussed in the ongoing Assembly session, according to a communiqué by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.
There was in depth deliberation on the controversy surrounding the Indo-Myanmar border (Manipur sector) and it was resolved that a committee of all political parties be constituted comprising one representative each on the issue of location of border pillar no 81.
The members will visit the border pillar no 81 along with the central team and other stakeholders for verification on July 24-25,2018.
The present crisis at the Manipur University over the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof A P Pandey was also discussed in detail and resolved that a pro-VC be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Manipur University Act and that the fact finding committee be urged to initiate and conclude its proceedings within stipulated time, the press note said.
The meeting which lasted for about four and half hours further resolved that the Vice Chancellor of Manipur University be asked to proceed on leave pending the proceedings of the fact finding committee, and the normal academic activities be resumed in the university.
It was also resolved that the agitation be suspended pending proceedings of the fact finding committee, it added.
On the latest development of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) which has been reported in the media was also discussed and deliberated, it said, adding the meeting resolved that if required, a special Assembly session be convened in order to discuss the possibilities of the ongoing peace talks.
The note further informed that the Chief Minister apprised that besides discussing the above issues in the Assembly, the all important Manipur People Bill which had been introduced in the ongoing session would be taken up for consideration on July 23 and he sought cooperation of all political parties and the general public to enable a smooth and participatory discourse in the State Assembly.