IMPHAL: In a bid to address the prolonged unrest gripping Manipur, the opposition parties in the state have taken a significant step forward. A delegation representing 10 opposition parties, led by former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, converged at Raj Bhawan on Friday [November 17] to meet with Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

The Congress party senior leader was accompanied by former deputy CM Gaikhangam, K Meghachandra, President, MPCC, Dr Nimaichand Luwang of JD(U). Representatives of AAP, AIFB, AITC, CPI, CPI(M), NCP, RSP, SS (UBT) were also present at the meeting.

The primary agenda of this meeting was to seek the Governor’s assistance in organizing a dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the persisting six-month-long violence in the Northeastern state. The delegation submitted a memorandum stressing the urgency of immediate peace talks between the conflicting communities in order to restore peace and stability in the region.

Governor Uikey, in response to the delegation’s plea, assured the opposition leaders of her commitment to facilitating a meeting with Prime Minister Modi. She emphasized the necessity of initiating a dialogue process between the warring communities and pledged to take every possible step to ensure the commencement of this crucial conversation.

“Steps will be taken to initiate a dialogue process with the two warring communities to bring back peace and normalcy in the state,” Governor Uikey affirmed during the meeting.

The opposition parties, in their memorandum, highlighted that without the intervention of the Centre, especially the Prime Minister, restoring peace in Manipur would remain an elusive goal. They emphasized that the Governor, as the guardian of the state, should approach PM Modi to initiate the much-needed dialogue process.

Moreover, the delegation urged the Governor to facilitate a meeting between all political parties in Manipur and the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of the PM’s leadership and guidance in resolving the conflict. Notably, Prime Minister Modi has not yet expressed any intention of visiting the strife-torn state.

The opposition’s proactive approach in seeking intervention and the Governor’s assurance to facilitate talks with the Prime Minister signify a potential turning point in the efforts towards peace and resolution in Manipur. The expectations now rest on the Centre’s response to this pressing call for dialogue and intervention in the conflict-stricken region.

  Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Manipur, NARENDRA MODI, Northeast, Okram Ibobi Singh, Prime Minister Modi