Manipur ultras may get 'safe passage'

IMPHAL, February 18: In a major development in this insurgency-prone region, the newly-sworn-in Chief Minister of the People's Front Ministry, Radhabinod Koijam has said that his Cabinet will examine the feasibility of giving "safe passage" to the underground insurgents during the Yaoshang, the biggest festival in Manipur so as to enable them to take part in the great festival this time. Yaoshang festival will start from March 9 and it will continue for five days. While this special gesture of the new People's Front Ministry lasts, the various security forces and Manipur Police would likely be instructed not to arrest or use arms against them, sources said. The Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam once again appealed to the underground outfits operating in Manipur to eschew violence and give up arms during his maiden speech to the general public after assuming the charge of Chief Ministership on February 15. Radhabinod Koijam also announced that the new People's Front Government would review all the policies and programmes adopted by the Nipamacha-led previous government including the DPCs and appointments made.