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The crisis in the Imphal Valley in Manipur seems to be simmering down, though sentiments in Imphal remain bitter in spite of the review ordered by the Union government of the ceasefire with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M).
Dharnas and sit-in protests by women's groups continued all over Imphal on Monday and Tuesday, though they were distinctly low-key as compared to the demonstrations over the weekend.
The United Committee of Manipur (UCM), which is spear-heading the agitation in the state, has vowed to keep the pressure on the central and state governments till the Naga ceasefire in its present form is not actually revoked.
The critical decision to review the Naga ceasefire in its present form was taken by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Union Home Minister L K Advani at a high-level meeting on Sunday where the prime minister reiterated the Centre's assurance that the territorial integrity of Manipur would be maintained.
After the meeting, Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami had told the media that the entire agreement in its entirety would be reconsidered.
The review is expected to be completed by the end of July.
Despite this, people in Manipur are skeptical.
Dr Vaisali Thongam, a resident in Singjamei, said, "The demonstrations are going to continue all over the state till the Naga ceasefire is not actually revoked. Nobody is going to believe Sunday's decision (about the review) till the words are backed with real action."
However, state legislators have gone all out to welcome the Centre's decision.
Union minister Chaoba Singh, former Manipur chief ministers W Nipamacha Singh, Radhabinod Koijam and R K Dorendra Singh, former deputy chief minister L Chandramani Singh and Speaker S Dhananjay Singh have welcomed the Centre's decision.
Meanwhile, the UCM and other major groups, like AMUCO and AMSU, are holding a key meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Union government's decision and chart their future course of action.
Sources in Manipur said that low-key protests are likely to continue in the state till the ceasefire is not actually revoked.
However, consternation is growing in the Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur and the Naga councils following the Union government's announcement of a review of the ceasefire.
The next round of talks between the Centre's emissary K Padmanabaiah and Naga leader I Muivah is expected to be a stormy one.
EARLIER REPORTS PM's assurance fails to calm Manipur, angers Nagaland Anti-ceasefire stir in Manipur intensified
Anti-ceasefire Agitation: Complete Coverage
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