Resignation drama blows over in Manipur

IMPHAL, February 26: The crisis that gripped the People's Front regime following the resignation of three Cabinet Ministers from the Council of Ministers have blown over after a compromise was worked out and the three Ministers agreed to withdraw their resignation letters. Health and Family Welfare Ministers Nimaichand Luwang, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Art and Culture Minister, M Manihar and Cooperation Minister Kh Amutombi had submitted their resignations to the Chief Minister citing dissatisfaction over the ministry expansion and to ensure the 'stability' of the PF Government on Saturday night. The three Cabinet Ministers decided to withdraw their resignation letters after a minute discussion with the Chief Minister at his office today at 1 pm. Speaking to reporters today after the meeting with the Chief Minister, Co-operation Minister, Kh Amutombi said that they decided to submit their resignations as they were not satisfied with the exclusion of some of the 28 Ministers who had been camping at the Opposition camp to oust the Nipamacha Government. On top of this, the inclusion of two FPM members who are only lending outside support and also the inclusion of three of the eight unattached members into the Council of Ministers was too much to stomach, added Amutombi. The Minister further said they decided to withdraw their resignations after the Chief Minister assured them that their grievances would looked into after the budget session which is slated from next month. The question of portfolio all would also be settled after the budget session, he added. Amutombi further since the Samata Party is heading the PF coalition government he is not in favour of creating any rift within the party that may jeopardize the newly installed Government. He added with good measure that all differences within the party have been resolved.