Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, May 1 – Manipur Cabinet on Friday decided not to allow National Socialist Council of Nagalim-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah’s proposed visit to the State.

The Cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh soon after he returned from New Delhi. Ruling Secular Progressive Front government’s spokesperson and Youth Affairs and SportsMinister N Biren conveyed this to reporters here yesterday.

He said that the Cabinet meeting minutely discussed the issue of Muivah’s proposed visit to the State and the Cabinet felt that the proposed visit may disturb peace and tranquility of the State. Therefore the government took a decision in this regard, he added.The Cabinet’s recommendation has also been faxed to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

Moreover, the ongoing ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM signed in August 1997 is limited within Nagaland, he said and added that the Government will take necessary measures not to allow repeat of mass uprising of June 18, 2001 when the ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM was extended without territorial limits, in which 18 people were killed.

The NSCN-IM leader is proposed to visit his birth place Somdal village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district besides attending a public reception at the hill district headquarters on May 8.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reportedly directed Director General of Police Manipur Y Joykumar to arrange security for Muivah’s visit from May 3-10 next.

Meanwhile, the United Committee Manipur (UCM), a conglomerate body of several organisations said they have no objection to the homecoming of NSCN(IM) leader but they will stand against any move to break the territorial integrity of the State during his visit.

Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, President of the UCM said that they will not obstruct the visit but added “we are examining whether there is a hidden agenda in his visit. Seven Naga Independent MLAs, Dr Khasim Ruivah, Danny Shaiza, Wungnaosang Keishing, Morung Makunga, M Thorii, K Raina and Awangbou Newmai have resolved to welcome the visit of the NSCN-IM leader. Keishing of Phungyar Assembly seat informed the media here.