Church delegation meets Manipur CM

(May 31, 2010) A delegation of the All Manipur Church Organisation met Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to find a solution to the ongoing economic blockade in the state. The Thursday meeting comes a day after the leaders of Manipur and Nagaland PCC agreed to hold talks with civil society groups to solve the issue. The delegation led by Prim Vaiphei, appealed to the chief minister for a dialogue with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and United Naga Council, which are opposed to the district council election, saying the powers given to the district councils are not enough. The Chief Minister assured them that he would extend an invitation to the Naga groups very soon, said a member of the Church delegation. “We are concerned about the people’s welfare. So we met the chief minister. Conflicts and problems could be solved across the table,” he said. There has been a blockade on highways since April 11 to protest against the election. However, the first phase of the election was held peacefully on Wednesday in Chandel, Sadar Hills in Senapati district and Churachandpur.