UNC calls 48 hrs bandh from Feb 4 ; Reiterates 'unique history of the Nagas'
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Senapati, January 31 2016: The United Naga Council (UNC) has called a 48 hour bandh from midnight of February 4 in all hill districts of Manipur in continuation of its previous demands and 'democratic' movement.

The UNC said any movement and attempts to sabotage the final political settlement based on the 'unique history of the Nagas and its situation' will never be compromised under any circumstances.

It also said religious program, earthquake related activities, medical, electricity, water supply and media fraternity are exempted from the purview of the 48 hours total bandh.

The UNC appealed to the general public to extend their support and co-operation to the 48 hours general strike to "defend and protect our inalienable rights and any one found defying the general strike shall be at his/her own risk" .

According to the UNC, the Nagas and tribal people in the present State of Manipur were self-governed and self administered people.

It also said a dual system of administration for the hills and valley came into existence after the British annexed the Meitei kingdom in 1891 .

"The tribal areas were administered by the political department of the British Crown.

This dual system continued even after 1949 when the Meitei Kingdom was merged with the Indian Union along with tribal areas without their consent, through deception, and under protest of the Nagas and other tribal people.

Since then the story of the Nagas and tribal people in Manipur has been one of marginalization, victimization, discrimination and domination," it said.

"The imposed system of governance resulted in systematic degradation and obliteration of our history, culture, identity and right to land and resources and finally, crucified the Nagas and tribal rights on the floor of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, 2015 by passing 3 anti tribal Bills and resolution consequent upon which 9 innocent civilians were killed by communal State security forces and whose bodies are still lying at the morgue of Civil Hospital, Churachandpur", the UNC stated.

"The people of different origin and history cannot live together under forced union.

The approach for peaceful co-existence is exhausted and therefore the best way for the Nagas and the tribals is to part and live as good neighbors so that Nagas and tribal people can live with dignity and honor as a people and a Nation," it added.

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