IMPHAL, Nov 2 - Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh has appealed to civil society organisations and women bodies to come forward for talks to protect and safeguard the interests of the State.
Joykumar Singh was talking to media persons here this afternoon after a 20-member all-party State delegation, led by him, met and submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister on the Naga peace talks recently.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Union Home Minister had assured the all-party delegation that all stakeholders, including the States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, would be consulted before arriving at any settlement.
Stating that the Centre is aware of the sentiments of the people in the North Eastern States including Manipur, Joykumar Singh said that the commitment made by the Union Home Minister should be honoured. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the chairman of the memorandum drafting sub-committee on the Naga peace talks, said that the State Government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of its people. Admitting that speculation is rife with regard to the Naga talks, Joykumar said that the speculations have given rise to apprehensions among the people. He also urged the media to verify reports before publication.
P Saratchandra Singh, BJP MLA and a member of the memorandum drafting sub-committee, also addressed the press conference, which was also attended by two other members of the drafting sub-committee, Kh Devabarta Singh of the Congress and N Ibohal Meitei of the Lok Janshakti Party.
