Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai on Tuesday arrived here on Tuesday and had a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. He was accompanied by R.S. Pandey, Centre's interlocutor for the ongoing peace talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
The meeting lasted for about half an hour, after which Mr. Pillai and Mr. Pandey drove to the Raj Bhavan for overnight stay. Indications are that Mr. Pillai is likely to hold another round of discussions with Mr. Singh on Wednesday morning.
Mr. Pillai, who arrived in a special flight, however, declined to reveal to journalists anything on his visit and discussions. The State government is also tight-lipped on the issue.
However, Mr. Pillai's sudden visit and his meeting with Mr. Singh is believed to have something to do with the proposed visit of NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to his ancestral village Somdal in Ukhrul district and Manipur's decision of not allowing him to enter the State as it apprehended that his visit would escalate communal tension.
Muivah's stand
Though Mr. Muivah had put off his visit on a request from the Prime Minister's Office, he is determined to visit Somdal. He had said he would not wait indefinitely. He also turned down the Union government's offer to facilitate his travel by a helicopter and is determined to travel by road.
Mr. Muivah also has plans to attend a civic reception in the Naga populated areas in the hill districts when he embarks on the visit from Mao at the entry point of Manipur to Somdal.
Probe into youths' death
After the meeting between Mr. Pillai and Mr. Singh, the State Cabinet met and decided to institute a probe into the circumstances leading to the death of two tribal youths at Mao Gate on May 6 when a protest over Manipur's decision not to allow Mr. Muivah turned violent.
