UNC to protest Orange Festival
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, December 03 2014 :
The United Naga Council (UNC) has announced today that it will 'protest' the forthcoming Orange Festival in Tamenglong district slated for December 9 and asked the Naga people not to extend co-operation.
According to the UNC, the State Government sponsored Orange Festival that will be observed at Tamenglong district headquarters or any part of the district on December 9, 2014 will be protested by the Naga people.
It said the Naga people do not oppose the orange growers and festival to be celebrated in the district but against the State Government for its 'communal attitude' towards the Nagas and tribal people.
"Therefore, the UNC will not tolerate the presence of communal Government's political representatives during the festival," the UNC added.
UNC fervently appealed to all Zeliangrong frontal organizations, Church leaders, social workers and all the individuals of Tamenglong district not to co-operate and support the ensuing State sponsored Orange Festival to be organized in Tamenglong district.
"Any organization or individual defying this directive shall be at own risk," the UNC warned.
"As the Naga people in the present State of Manipur cannot protect and safeguard our rights over land and its natural resources, history, culture, tradition, identity and time honored institutions and also since the communal Government of Manipur has been opposing the settlement of Indo-Naga political issue and also as the Naga people could not live with dignity and honour under the communal Government of Manipur, the Naga people in its 3rd Naga People Convention held on July 1,2010 at Tahamzam (Senapati) had declared severance of political ties with the communal Government of Manipur.
To uphold our political stand, the Nagas will oppose every move of the State Government to sponsor any festival and its kind in Naga areas at its own convenience," the United Naga Council added.