IMPHAL, March 17 - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Manipur in its first Cabinet meeting here on Friday decided to initiate a talk with United Naga Council (UNC) on March 19 to resolve the blockade issue in the State.
The Cabinet meeting was held with Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the chair at the Old Secretariat Hall here.
The Cabinet meeting also discussed the issue of appointment of Pro-tem Speaker on March 19 and election of new Assembly Speaker the next day, according to Cabinet Minister Th Biswajit. However, the venue of the Govt-UNC meeting is yet to be finalised.
The Cabinet meeting was attended by Deputy CM Yumnam Joykumar, Ministers L Jayentakumar, Karam Shyam, Letpao Haokip, N Kayisii, Th Shyamkumar, L Dikho, besides Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, DGP LM Khaute and Secretary to CM N Ashok Kumar.
Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei told the media that he did not want to make any comment since he is in judicial custody. �I do not have any comment since I am cut off from those working outside,� he said.
Earlier, Gaidon and publicity secretary Shangkhel Stephen were produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East and remanded in judicial custody till March 31.
Oathtaking: The oathtaking ceremony of the newly elected members of the State Assembly will be held on March 19 and will be followed by election of Speaker. The new government will also face a confidence motion on March 21, according to sources.
March 21 will also witness the address by Governor, motion of thanks, obituary reference, presentation of budget estimates and vote on accounts, they added.
Newmai News adds: It is not clear whether UNC has agreed to the decision of the Manipur Government. The Cabinet also decided that the next round of tripartite talk would be held on March 25.
