UCM convenes public convention on Dec 9
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 07 2016: Taking strong exception to the UNC's announcement to tighten the protracted economic blockade rather than paying any heed to its appeal to lift the same, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has decided to tackle the issue in consultation with the people of Manipur.

Speaking at their Lamphelpat office today, UCM president Elangbam Johnson decried that the United Naga Council (UNC) did not pay any heed to the ultimatum served on December 4 to lift the economic blockade within 72 hours.

The indefinite economic blockade being imposed by the UNC has evolved into a serious challenge to the people of Manipur.

Moreover, the indefinite economic blockade is one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

UCM convenes public convention on Dec 9

The press meet was held nine hours before the expiry of deadline given by the UCM to the UNC to lift the blockade.

The deadline draws to a close this midnight (December 7). The UNC however, declared barely one day after the deadline set by the UCM that it would continue the blockade.

Johnson informed that a one-day people's convention will be held at GM Hall at 10 am of December 9 .

He also reiterated their appeal to lift the ongoing indefinite economic blockade imposed by the UNC in protest against the Government's purported plan to convert Sadar Hills and Jiribam sub-divisions into full-fledged districts.

Highlighting the hardships of the people under the protracted blockade, Johnson said that the December 9 convention aims to work out strategies to collectively fight against the "inhumane" blockade as one common issue for all the people of Manipur cutting across all ethnic lines.

The convention is to be held in the backdrop of the extreme hardships being endured by the people of Manipur for over a month.

He said leaders and representatives of all communities from both the hills and valley are invited to the scheduled convention.

He urged both the State and the Central Governments to invite all stake holders to the negotiating table over the impasse.

"It's high time that the Government of India deals the issue with a firm stand.

The Centre needs to have a serious reflection on the blockade" .

Johnson further appealed once again to the UNC to reconsider its stand and lift the blockade.

The UCM would decide its next course of action based on the resolutions that will be adopted at the December 9 convention.

People need not fear the UCM's initiative for it is aimed at tackling crime against humanity, Johnson said.

On December 5, the UNC had asserted that the ongoing economic blockade and ban on construction of Trans Asian Railways and National projects would continue as the Government of Manipur had miserably failed to honour the letter and spirit of the MoUs and the assurance given by the Union Home Ministry to the Nagas. The UNC said that the Naga people protested five times against the decision of the State Government to upgrade Sadar Hills to the status of a full-fledged district.