UNC dismisses CM's stand on AA Delhi positive, claims Adani
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07 2013:
Rejecting Chief Minister Okram Ibobi's contention that the United Naga Council (UNC)'s demand for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur, outside the State Government and pending a final settlement to the Naga political dialogue is not acceptable, the council said the Alternative Arrangement demand is raised only
to the Centre.
During a media conference held yesterday, the Chief Minister had stated that the Alternative Arrangement demand is unacceptable while adding that his Government would transfer powers to the local bodies in the hills by amending and enforcing the Autonomous District Council Act and Village Authority Act.
The apex body of the Nagas of Manipur, the UNC has already declared severance of political ties with the State Government.
Reacting to the announcement of the Chief Minister, UNC president, Larho Adani Mao said, "We know him (CM).
We knew what he will say but our Alternative Arrangement demand is raised not to the State Government but to the Centre which had already given an assurance to look into it.
This is positive and hence the CM's statement is meaningless" .
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The fifth round of the tripartite talks involving the UNC, the Centre and the State Government on the primary demand for the Alternative Arrangement is scheduled to be held on February 12 at Senapati district headquarters.
As reported earlierm Joint secretary (North East in charge) of Home Affairs Shambhu Singh and a Special Secretary (Internal Security) will represent the Centre and Manipur Chief Secretary DS Poonia and some State senior officials will represent the State Government in the talk.
"During the previous talks, the Centre's representatives had already taken note of our demand and expressed their views and willingness to work out modalities and arrangements on how our demand can be complied with," Adani said.
Responding to a query, the UNC leader said that the boycott of Ministers, legislators and Autonomous District Council members and State Government-sponsored programmes in Naga areas as part of their campaign continues.
Adani said the UNC is ready for the ensuing tripartite talks though the explicit (additional) points to be raised in it would be finalized in a meeting to be convened soon.
"Besides me, leaders of the committee on Alternative Arrangement and representatives of Naga frontal organizations will participate in the talks," he said.
The fourth round of the tripartite talks was held in New Delhi on August 31 last year.
With the key objective to spread awareness among the Naga people on the Alternative Arrangement issue and the position of the Naga political dialogue, the UNC had already conducted a series of meeting in Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel districts earlier.