IMPHAL: There is no question of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi going outside the capital for talks with the agitating All-Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM), government sources told The Hindu here on Thursday.

They were responding to the ANSAM's letter sent on Wednesday night to Mr. Ibobi.

It dropped one of the two preconditions that the Government first revoke the order declaring June 18 a State integration day holiday. But it said the talks should be held in any of the hill districts — Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong.While extending the latest invitation for talks, the Government said if the ANSAM leaders felt insecure in coming to Imphal, in view of the hostility generated by the association's protracted economic blockade on National Highway 39, they would be provided security.

Many politicians and non-governmental organisations have also urged Mr. Ibobi not to set a bad precedent, yielding to the "illogical pressure" exerted by the ANSAM to hold talks at a venue of its choice.

Now that NH 53 is operational, the blockade along NH 39 has been rendered inconsequential.

On Wednesday, the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court said the economic blockade along the lifelines of Manipur was "unconstitutional and illegal".

Disposing of a public interest litigation petition filed by the United Development Association, Khangabok in Thoubal district, a Division Bench ordered the State and Central Governments to take measures to lift the blockade.

"Protest will continue"

However the ANSAM leaders said the blockade, which began on June 20, and the non-cooperation movement would continue.

The All Manipur Students Union, the Manipur Students Federation and the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur have jointly sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General contending that the protracted blockade was a threat to the right to life.

The students expressed an apprehension that an ethnic clash might occur if the blockade was not ended.

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