UNC total bandh ends peacefully in Tamenglong
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei
Tamenglong, June 18 2014:
The United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored total bandh to press the government of India for earlier settlement of the demand for alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue, ended peacefully in Tamenglong district today.
UNC imposed the 48-hour total Bandh in Naga areas since midnight of June 16 .
The bandh, also supported by Zeliangrong Baudi and Zeliangrong Youth Front, affected normal life in the district as all shops, markets and some government offices remained closed for two days in Tamenglong district HQs.
Although all vehicular movements including those on NH- 37 and district headquarters were halted during the bandh, no untoward incidents have been reported from anywhere till filling of this report.
However, some files from the offices of Sub- Divisional Officer, Tamenglong block and Revenue Department were reportedly seized by bandh supporters.
The seized files are expected to be handed over tomorrow.
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao, KB Aduan, Convener of Zeliangrong People's Coordination Committee (ZPCC), said that UNC-sponsored 48-hour total bandh was a success in Tamenglong.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Tamenglong for their support to the bandh, he said that no vehicle were allowed to ply on NH- 37 and in the town area and all shops and markets remained shut for two days.
To a query, KB Aduan said, 'if the demand is not met, UNC will decide and take up necessary further step to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
He further said that the demand for early settlement of alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue is urgent for Nagas of Manipur.
Instead of amending the Village Authority Act of 1956 and empowering their traditional institutions, the GoM has issued an office memorandum dated 6th January 2014 in its Gazette for establishment of "Village Development Committee" in each village in the name of development.
VDCs are to be chosen by the general body of the village without the involvement or endorsement of the village council/village authority, which is the ultimate traditional authority of the village, he pointed out.
He further said that instead of strengthening the village council/village authority, a parallel body with development function is to be put in place, thereby pushing the primary polity of the tribals into conflict and division.
"This is a move to destroy the village republic system of the Nagas and the tribals," he added.