Ex-militants gherao Manipur CM's office

Imphal, May 10: About sixty surrendered militants gheraoed the chief minister?s bungalow this afternoon, for around three hours, demanding implementation of their promised rehabilitation package. The ex-militants, most of whom have been lodged at barracks in Imphal west and east police station, congregated at the front gate of the chief minister?s residence at around 1 pm. The onetime militants, having affinity with different valley based proscribed groups, were hoping to address their grievances to the chief minister, O Ibobi and urge him to actuate the government?s promises for their rehabilitation including job security. Demonstrating their angst, the surrendered militants squatted directly along the main entrance, but later relented to request from police officials and shift to a side of the gate. Three of their representatives were allowed to meet the chief minister, but the talk remained inconclusive. The chief minister reportedly requested them to give him more time to consider their demands. When their talks were still in progress, police forced the rest of their companions to move across the road. After they got wind of the fate of the meeting, the agitators scattered.