TNL backs UNC's call to boycott R-Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, January 25 2016:
The president of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Weapon Zimik has called upon the public of Ukhrul to abstain from attending the 67th Republic Day celebration tomorrow at Bakshi ground Hundung, Ukhrul.
In a statement, TNL said it supports the decision of the United Naga Council (UNC) to impose a 48 hour total bandh in all Naga inhabited areas of Manipur as well as the directive to not attend the Republic Day celebration tomorrow.
In Ukhrul town, shops and all other establishment remained closed while passenger services were suspended.
Schools and offices wore deserted looks with no visitors.
TNL volunteers were deployed at all the strategic areas to check the movement of people during the 48 hours bandh at the district.
No report of any untoward incident has come in at Ukhrul till the time of filing this report.
The 48 hours bandh has been called against the three 'anti-tribal' Bills as well as the two resolutions passed by the State Assembly on August 31 last year.
The statement said that due to the indifferent attitude of the State Government and persistent infringement on the rights of tribals, TNL resolved to take a firm decision to safeguard the rights of the people and protect the land of the tribals.
The TNL later expelled two Congress Tangkhul MLAs from the community for not responding to the demand of the public to resign from the Assembly.
The TNL resolved to support the decision of the UNC for protecting the rights of the tribal people and assured to extend utmost co-operation to the UNC.
The TNL president mentioned that Manipur tribal people are victims at the hands of the State Government and its forces.
The public have been asked to stay indoors tomorrow during the Republic Day celebration to support the common cause and aspiration of the tribal people of Manipur.