UNC calls off bandh on highways, work ban on National projects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11 2014: The United Naga Council (UNC) has called off the indefinite ban on construction works on all National projects in Naga areas as well as the indefinite ban on vehicular movements on all National and State highways with effect from 12 noon today.

This decision was taken during an emergency presidential council of the UNC held today at Senapati wherein it was resolved that the decision to call off the ban was in reciprocation of the intervention of the Government of India as well as to create a conducive atmosphere for taking forward the Indo-Naga peace process, which is based on the unique history and situation of the Nagas, to its logical end, conveyed a press release.

The meeting was attended by Naga tribe presidents, Naga frontal organisations and district organisations and they deliberated on the request of the Government of India(GoI) to review the indefinite ban on all construction works on National projects and ban on vehicular traffic on the National and State highways, which were being enforced to demand the GoI's intervention on the imperilled situation of the Nagas in Manipur.

Bandh enforcers on the National Highway before UNC called off the stir

The meeting recorded its appreciation of the actions initiated by the Government of India on the UNC's memorandum to the Prime Minister of India dated 30th August, 2014 and the written assurance of the GoI's sincere effort to resolve the Naga issue delivered in person by Prakash Mishra, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI on September 9 .

It was further put on record that the contempt and disrespect of the Government of Manipur(GoM) for the Indo-Naga cease fire has been the cause of militarization of Naga areas, killings of innocents and attacks on human rights and identity, and that these conditions have become accentuated with the delay in the settlement of the Indo-Naga Issue.

The UNC also reposed its trust in the GoI to take up the central issue of the Indo-Naga cease-fire coverage at the appropriate level to ensure that henceforth the acts of alleged State terrorism by the Government of Manipur(GoM) is prevented.

The Council further took serious note and strongly condemned the alleged communal assault and harassment of Naga residents of Imphal by Manipur Police Commandos on September 1 and 4 .

The United Naga Council acknowledged the unflinching support of the Naga people and also the cooperation of the general public for the peaceful and violence free observation of the ban.

"The UNC further appealed for continued readiness of the Naga people for their proactive participation in the people's movement till we achieve our political aspiration" the statement added.

The UNC imposed the ban after two people were killed in police firing during a rally at Ukhrul on August 30 .

Among others the rallyists were demanding that the 'militarization' of Ukhrul should stop.