Free UNC leaders and then talk : UADC
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, January 13 2017:
The Autonomous District Council (ADC), Ukhrul has stated that the Centre should intervene and hold a tripartite talk to resolve the ongoing economic blockade and the State Government should first release the arrested UNC leaders.
Addressing the media, Chairman of Ukhrul ADC Dr Yaronsho Ngalung said "as Manipur Government and UNC are at loggerheads, the Central Government shouild intervene and convene a tripartite talk to resolve the present imbroglio".
First, the Manipur Government should release the two UNC leaders and the Naga body should reciprocate the gesture by lifting its agitation.
Such steps on either side will help create the needed atmosphere to hold dialogue, the ADC Chairman opined.
Dr Ngalung also stressed on the need to keep the creation of the seven districts in abeyance untill the 'crisis' is resolved amicably.
The ADC Chairman blamed the Manipur Government for the prevailing situation.
"I do not blame the Manipur Government without reason.
If they (Manipur Government) had consulted the stakeholders by respecting the various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between the Government of Manipur and the Naga bodies the present crisis may not have happened at all.
We also respect the rights of the State Government for creating new districts, likewise, the State Government should also respect Article 371 (C) of the Constitution where it clearly states that anything that relates to the interest of the hill people must be referred to the Hill Area Committee (HAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly.
HAC was not consulted and we were also not consulted at all.
This is a clear violation of the Constitution", he pointed out.
The Ukhrul ADC also strongly condemned the alleged 'third degree torture' meted out to the arrested UNC President Gaidon Kamei and Infomation Secretary SK Stephen in police custody.
"It is very unfortunate and unthinkable.
They are not criminals but leaders.
The Manipur Government ought to take note of this," stated the Executive Member (EM) of Ukhrul ADC Isaac Mashangva who also participated at the press conference along with other executive members.