UNC iterates Naga integration call again
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 09 2019: With the political dialogue between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, reportedly at its final staged, the United Naga Council (UNC) has endorsed the call for integration of all Naga areas divided by what it termed as 'artificial boundaries'.

Along with a copy of resolution adopted by the UNC presidential council meeting convened on September 5, the apex Naga civil body of the State on Monday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him for an honourable Naga solution in the true spirit of the 'Indo-Naga Framework Agreement' signed on August 3, 2015 .

UNC iterates Naga integration call again

The UNC move comes at a time when a large number of prominent civil bodies in the valley districts have renewed their movement to protect Manipur's territorial integrity and unity.

Held at its headquarters at Senapati and attended by presidents of 25 different Naga communities, civil and students bodies, the UNC presidential council endorsed the call for Naga integration.

"Acknowledging the inherent rights of the Nagas for the integration of all the Naga areas divided by artificial boundaries, is a true sign of respecting the Naga people and their history," resolved the meeting.

Referring to the meeting's resolutions, the UNC, in its memo to the Prime Minister said "We, the Naga people appreciate the official recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas" and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agreement.

Thus, an important foundation has been laid in finding a workable solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga political issue, said the memo signed by UNC president S Kho John and general secretary S Milan.

"That, the rising India under your strong and dynamic leadership must be magnanimous enough to resolve the Indo-Naga political issue with respect and honour," it said.

For an honourable solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, "the Naga National Flag and the Naga Constitution" must be acknowledged and accepted in the peace agreement, iterated the UNC.

The UNC would remind both the Centre and the NSCN that "the failure of the hard earned peace process may once again lead to the breakdown of the cease fire that may renew the fierce confrontation that will be detrimental to peace and cause extensive destruction to lives and property of the innocent masses," cautioned the memo.

A copy of the memo along with the Thursday's meeting resolution was also sent to Nagaland Governor and the Centre's Naga peace talk Interlocutor RN Ravi.

Ravi had recently announced that PMO had signalled for resolving the Naga issue within three months possibly within October.

The Naga integration demand has been strongly opposed in Manipur.