Unilateral ceasefire no solution: Chaoba

IMPHAL, March 6: The Union Minister of State for Food Processing, Thounaojam Chaoba who is also the working president of the Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) has categorically stated that the ongoing unilateral ceasefire announced by Radhabinod led People's Front government towards the insurgent outfits of the state cannot be effective. Speaking to group of newsmen at his Babupara Bungalow here this morning, Thounaojam Chaoba said that a ceasefire can be possible only when both the parties involved respect it. He pointed out that for an effective ceasefire, the state government's machinery should hold talks with the insurgent outfits. It can be done within India or abroad as per provision under the constitution of India, he said adding that he would initiate negotiations with the various outfits operating in the Northeastern states. Answering to a question, the Union Minister clarified that the MSCP at no point of time merged with the BJP. He also castigated a news report in this connection. On the present People's Front ministry, Chaoba said that the Front has three vital common minimum programmes which should be followed at any cost. The People's Front ministry would be stable and a long lasting, the working president of the MSCP claimed and said that the Chief Minister, Radhabinod Koijam should treat his colleague like his own brothers.