Manipur yet to decide on calling off ceasefire

IMPHAL, March 31: Not withstanding the observation of Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam in New Delhi yesterday that the unilateral ceasefire may not be extended by another month as decided earlier, the state government is yet to take a final decision on the matter. Divulging this to The Sangai Express this afternoon Law Minister O Joy who is currently in charge as Chief Minister said that the State Cabinet had endorsed the decision of the all-party meet to prolong the unilateral ceasefire by another month. The Cabinet had also decided to consult the matter with New Delhi. The unilateral ceasefire came into force from March 1 and expires today. Joy further said Union Home Minister LK Advani had merely expressed his reservations against the ceasefire as no positive response had come from the underground outfits. At no time did the Home Minister say that the ceasefire should be withdrawn, added O Joy. Stating that he had a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister today, O Joy said that a final decision will be taken by the Cabinet only after Koijam comes back from Delhi. He added that there is no change in the Cabinet stand with regard to the ceasefire till date. The Cabinet decision still stands and there is yet no Government notification that the ceasefire has been called off, added O Joy. A top ranking police official said that the police department is yet to receive any formal notification with regard to the extension or withdrawal of the ceasefire. However the police have taken up all necessary precautions, he added.