Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh traveled to Senapati district today to negotiate an end to the crippling economic blockade on National Highway-2. The state's main lifeline remains shut. Naga organizations launched the protest following the abduction and murder of six Liangmai Naga civilians by suspected Kuki militants. The bodies of the victims still sit in the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences mortuary, unclaimed by their families.
The Chief Minister met with United Naga Council leaders for one hour at the Deputy Commissioner's office. He pushed for the blockade to end. He wanted to restore peace after three years of ethnic violence. The talks broke down immediately. No breakthrough occurred.
UNC President Ng. Lorho walked away from the table without budging. He stood firm on his group's four core demands. The council wants the arrests of those behind the killings and the village chief of Leilon Vaiphei. They also want the government to end the Suspension of Operations pact with Kuki militant groups and fire Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. Lorho described the dialogue as "It was a fruitful and meaningful discussion, but it remains inconclusive."
The UNC intends to keep the road closed. They might even make it tighter. The government reminded the council of their role in helping free 14 Kuki hostages back on June 9, hoping for a similar gesture of goodwill. It did not work. The council stated they will not touch the bodies of the victims until their demands are met. Deputy Chief Minister Loshii Dikho and other state officials attended the meeting but left empty-handed.
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