The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur, on Saturday, September 26, announced the suspension of its nearly four-month-long economic blockade along the state’s national highways with immediate effect from 6 pm.
The decision came after tripartite talks between the UNC, the Manipur government and the Government of India in Guwahati on Saturday. The meeting focused on the prevailing law and order situation in the state and steps towards peace-building, officials said.
In a statement, the UNC said the blockade was being suspended following an agreement reached during the tripartite meeting involving the three sides.
“Upon the agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks held amongst the Government of Manipur, the Government of India, and the United Naga Council (UNC) in Guwahati on Saturday, the council hereby announces the suspension of the ongoing economic blockade with effect from 6:00 PM of September 26 today,” the statement said.
The council also expressed its gratitude to various stakeholders for their support and cooperation during the agitation.
A delegation of Naga civil society organisations led by the UNC, along with representatives from several Naga groups, left Senapati on Friday and reached Guwahati ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
The talks were convened by the Manipur Home Department and held at the BSF Frontier Headquarters Officers’ Mess in Garbhanga, Assam. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Manipur government also took part in the meeting.
The suspension of the blockade comes as the Centre, the Manipur government and Naga civil society representatives continue discussions on the state’s law and order situation and efforts towards peace-building.