Not development deficit but AA, asserts UNC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 13 2013: The UNC has asserted that during the 5th round of tripartite talk involving UNC, GoM and GoI at Senapati yesterday that it was not development deficit that was raised but the demand for an Alternative Arrangement to protect the identity, land & resources, traditional institution and customary practices and ensure a life with dignity and honour for its people.

"It was clearly stated that the worsening social divide on account of the forced union could result in a large scale confrontation.

It was questioned as to why GoI, as the custodian of the Indian Constitution was not intervening in such a serious situation and on the merits of the issue that had been presented by the UNC in all the meetings," a statement issued today by the UNC said.

'Expedite alternative arrangement'

As the 5th round of tripartite talk of UNC, the GoI and GoM talk commenced, the GoI was urged to respond to the postulates of the Alternative Arrangement submitted by the UNC in the 4th round of tripartite talk held on August 31, 2012 at Delhi.

It was replied by the GoI that in a federal system of Government the State concerned has to be consulted.

On the insistence that the core issue of Alternative Arrangement outside the GoM, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue must be addressed in the talk, the GoM representative maintained that it was not mandated to discuss political issues which can be taken up at the political level and presented details of development programmes and policies of the GoM that were in the pipeline for the development of tribal areas.

It was submitted by the UNC that the next round of talk should go deeper into the core issue which has been postulated and should be held without inordinate delay.

The talk concluded with the GoI requesting for continuation of the dialogue process and assurance that the sentiments expressed by the UNC would be taken back to the political leadership, the statement said.

The UNC also acknowledged with gratefulness the material, financial, prayer and moral support of the Naga people for the 5th round of tripartite talk held with the GoI and the GoM yesterday.