UNC ready to weigh AA demand with power devolution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 07 2015 : United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei has stated that they will review the demand for alternative arrangement if the full legislative, administrative and financial powers are devolved to the Autonomous District Councils of the State.

On being asked if the demand for alternative arrangement can be assumed as partially fulfilled if full legislative, administrative and financial powers are devolved to the ADCs, Gaidon Kamei said that they would consider any such development.

Talking exclusively with The Sangai Express about the UNC's role in the ensuing ADC election, Gaidon Kamei reiterated that they have been demanding alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga peace process.

File pic of UNC leaders facing the camera

The demand for alternative arrangement was adopted as the foremost resolution at the third Naga People's Convention held on July 1, 2010 .

Declaration of the District Council Third Amendment Act as null and void in Naga areas was another significant resolution adopted at the same convention.

On being enquired if it is politically and morally right for the UNC to lend support to the Naga People's Convention while the resolutions adopted at the 3rd Naga People's Convention are being put into effect, Gaidon Kamei maintained that NPF, as a political party, would encounter several difficulties if they do not contest the election.

NPF's decision to contest the election is their own.

NPF believes in struggling for Naga issues from within rather than shouting from outside.

Moreover, there is not much difference between UNC and NPF's political ideology and principle.

That is why, NPF and UNC are working hand in hand.

UNC would work together without any reservation with any individual, group, political party or Government if their ideology and policies subscribe or support the political principles of the Nagas.

In his attempt to justify UNC's ban on Congress party, Gaidon Kamei asserted that the incumbent Government headed by Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam always works against the Nagas.

It is the incumbent Government which has been deploying largest number security forces in Naga areas thereby indulging in extensive militarization.

He went on to allege that all decisions and policies of the Congress Government are against the collective interests of Nagas and tribals.

These are the fundamental reasons behind the UNC's decision to ban Congress party in the ADC election.

"The ban does not apply to the All India Congress party and we don't criticise their ideology", Gaidon Kamei said.

One being asked whether it can be assumed that UNC, the apex Naga civil body, is directly or indirectly involved in the ADC election, Gaidon Kamei said that one should not unnecessarily drag the name of UNC in connection with the ADC election.

It was a foregone conclusion that any demand for meaningful self-Government would never be considered favourably by the State.

This is another factor which gave rise to the demand for alternative arrangement.

When Gaidon Kamei was asked whether their demand for alternative arrangement can be assumed as partially fulfilled once local self-Governments are established in the hill districts of Manipur, the UNC president said that it would be tabled in a public convention if administrative, legislative and financial powers are indeed devolved to the local self-Governments.

This would be followed by another round of discussion with intellectuals before taking a concrete decision.

The Government of India is expected to intervene if there any such development, added the UNC president.