Manipur militants agree to talk

Manipur government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three militant outfits under which the ultras will hold talks with the state government, official sources said in Imphal on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed on Monday between representatives of the state government and leaders of the Kangleipak communist Party-Nongdreinkhomba, Kuki National Liberation Front and Kuki Revolutionary Party.

Under the agreement, the three militant outfits had laid down arms and agreed to hold peace talks with the government authorities, sources said, adding that more than seven militant outfits have agreed to hold peace talks after signing the MoU in the past one year or so.

Welcoming the ultras to national mainstream, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to the remaining 30 militant outfits to lay down arms and join the national mainstream by participating in development programmes being implemented by the government for the welfare of the people.

Official sources said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and senior police officials were present during the surrender ceremony on Monday.

Sources said Director General of Police (Manipur) M K Das said the surrendered militants would be properly rehabilitated as per rules and regulations of the government's surrender policy.