Manipur leaders endorse CM's unilateral ceasefire

IMPHAL, March 16: Leaders of most political parties active in the State have endorsed the ongoing month long ceasefire declared by the Radhabinod Koijam-led People's Front government. A resolution to this effect was adopted at an all-party meeting held this afternoon at the Chief Minister's secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam. The meeting took an overview of the prolonged separatist movement in the State and the consequent law and order situation, and discussed possible ways and means for bringing back the 'misguided youths' to the national mainstream. While the meeting fully endorsed the unilateral ceasefire announced by the People's Front government, leaders of some parties expressed misgivings over the government's failure to consult the various political parties before announcing the ceasefire. Opinion was however unanimous that the step taken by the state government was aimed at restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, and it was agreed that the question of further extension of the ceasefire should be decided at another all-party meeting to be held on March 27 next. The groundwork for possible extension of the ceasefire was to have been laid during the meeting today, but nothing could be finalized. Participants at the meeting expressed concern at the lack of response from the Army to the Government's request for extension of the 15-day Yaoshang Peace period for the whole month. They felt that lack of cooperation from the Army could call into question the genuineness of the government-sponsored ceasefire. Some even questioned if the Army was trying to sabotage the peace effort.