Manipur won't withdraw arrest warrant against Muivah

IMPHAL, June 8 ? Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said Thursday night that his government would not withdraw the arrest warrant issued against NSCN (I-M) Central Secretary Th. Muivah even if the Gentre asked the State to do the same, reports PTI. In case the Centre instructed the State to withdraw cases against Muivah, the State would ask the Centre on what conditions the cases against the NSCN (I-M) leader could be withdrawn, Singh told newspersons here. The Chief Minister said Manipur Government had issued an arrest warrant against Muivah in April 1994 and announced a cash reward of Rupees three lakh on his (Muivah) arrest or any information leading to his capture. This warrant was still in force, he said adding that the NSCN (I-M) had indulged in large-scale extortion, looting and other unlawful activities along the Manipur stretch of the Imphal-Dimapur Guwahati National Highway No. 39. On the protection of State?s territorial integrity, Ibobi Singh said an all party delegation headed by him would go to New Delhi in the first week of July to call on the Prime Minister and other central leaders ?to allay the apprehensions from the minds of the people? in the wake of the NSCN (IM)?s reported demand for merger of the hill part of Manipur with neighbouring Nagaland.