Blockade not an option yet in pursuance of Alternative Arrangement, says UNC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30 2012: As of now highway blockade is not an option in pursuit of the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for Nagas of Manipur outside the purview of the Government of Manipur.

Talking over telephone with The Sangai Express, United Naga Council (UNC) president L Adani said that finding an amicable solution to the political dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN-IM is the collective wish of the Nagas.

Even though there is a vociferous demand for an alternative arrangement for the interim period pending a solution to the Indo-Naga political dialogue, Naga people at the grassroot level have no clear idea about severing ties with the Government of Manipur or for that matter the Alternative Arrangement.

Yet, Naga leaders have a clear understanding of what the UNC's demand is all about.

UNC leaders during the consultative meeting at Ramrei village

To make the issue understandable to all the Naga people at the grassroot level, consultative meetings at block level and sub-divisional level have been kick-started from today, Adani said.

The first consultative meeting was held today with leaders of Naga civil society at Ramrei in Ukhrul district.

The UNC leaders told the gathering to be on the alert to face any eventuality saying if the Government denies the rights of the Nagas any longer a strong movement will be initiated.

Today's programme was attended by leaders from 24 Naga villages including Church leaders, reports NNN.

In the meantime, the peace talk between the Government of India and NSCN-IM is making good progress towards a final settlement.

With a political solution expected very soon, there is no question of blockade or economic blockade as of now, Adani stated.

Saying that many Naga leaders have been working hard to expedite the peace process and arrive at an amicable solution at the earliest, the UNC president appealed to all the Naga people to pray for an early solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political issue.

On being asked about participation of many Naga people and cultural troupes in the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival, Adani said that it happened because of 'communal divide' .

All the Naga people have their responsibility in the joint efforts of the Government of India and NSCN-IM to find out a solution to the decades old Naga issue, and they should maintain their responsibility.

Participation in Manipur Sangai Festival was earlier done through their respective tribes.

But this time, the participating groups were coaxed to join the festival after offering handsome amounts without knowledge or mandate of their respective tribes.

As of now, it has not been decided if any action should be taken up against them.

Notably, the UNC asked all Nagas in advance to refrain themselves from participating in this year's edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival.