IMPHAL, January 7: A Congress delegation led by former Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir was in Imphal on a short visit to the state to seek moral support from Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee as the assembly elections in the neighbouring state is approaching.
The delegation included SC Jamir who is a former Governor of Goa and as well as a former Chief Minister of Nagaland; Tokheho Yepthomi, Nagaland Congress Legislature Party leader and Opposition leader; MLA KV Pusa Chubachang; and ex-MLA, K Therie.
The 5-member Congress delegation arrived here yesterday by road from Kohima. After spending a night at Hotel Classic, the delegation met Chief Minister O Ibobi at his bungalow today at 11 am and left Imphal around 2:15 pm. It is speculated that the delegation had talks regarding the coming Nagaland general election and also about the talks between the India government and NSCN (IM).
NNN adds: Soon after their arrival in the state capital, the delegation went straight to the Congress Bhavan, Imphal where they met with leaders of MPCC including Deputy Chief Minister and MPCC President Gaikhangam during which they discussed political strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in Nagaland. The Congress delegation from Nagaland led by SC Jamir sought moral support from MPCC for the ensuing assembly elections in Nagaland expected to be held either in February or March this year, MPCC president Gaikhangam told reporters at his office chamber here.
Meanwhile, responding to a media query, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said the proposal for formation of a ‘special scheme for surrendered-cum-militant rehabilitation’ by the state Cabinet aims to provide proper rehabilitation for the surrendered militants and to increase their stipend as well.
He further said that the state Government has chosen three places—one each in Bishnupur district, Imphal East and West for setting up of designated camps for the militants who are holding peace parleys involving both the state and Central Governments. He however did not mention the particular militant groups in question.