UNC calls total shutdown in Naga areas
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Senapati, August 14 2021: The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed a "total shutdown in all Naga areas" under its jurisdiction for 24 hours with effect from midnight of August 14 to midnight of August 15, 2021, in protest against the order of Chief Secretary which directed all the village chiefs/headmen/chairmen to collect the Indian National Flag from their concerned SDOs and to hoist and celebrate the 75th India's Independence Day on August 15, 2021 in their respective villages.

In a press release issued to Newmai News Network, UNC said that India is a democratic country and the Naga people had never opposed the celebration of Indian Independence Day.

"It is unprecedented that the Government of Manipur and district administrations are resorting to such a cheap tactic to further suppress the political aspirations of Naga people and decades long struggle for achieving enduring peace in the region," UNC said.

The Naga body further said that the Naga people vehemently condemn the "recent provocative action of State security forces in dishonoring the sanctity of Naga National Flag and the people of Chandel district in particular".

UNC also said that the "ransacking of Naga People Organization (NPO) office and Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) office at Senapati and snatching away of "Naga Flag" by the Assam Rifles are tantamount to insulting the Naga people.

"Therefore, the district apex organizations, women, students and tribe hohos are directed to strictly enforce the total shutdown in their respective jurisdictions," UNC directed.

"Anyone defying the shutdown will be at his/her own risk," the Naga body warned.

UNC appealed to the public and the Nagas in particular to extend their fullest cooperation.

"The Chief Secretary of Manipur should retract the aforementioned order at the earliest possible.

Failing which, UNC will take its own course of action," the Naga body cationed.

Supporting the call of the UNC, the Chandel Naga People's Orgnisation has directed all the federating units, tribe hohos, women wings and youths to enforce the shutdown in their respective area of jurisdiction.

Anyone defying the shutdown call will be doing so at his or her own risk, it warned and demanded that the Chief Secretary withdraw the order at the earliest.

Backing the call of UNC, the Joint Tribe's Council and its frontal organizations have called a 24 hour total shutdown in the region under their jurisdiction with effect from the midnight of August 14 .

During the shutdown, no normal activities would be allowed except for matters related to medical emergencies, religious activities, media and other essential services.

The JTC also appealed to all to support the shut down.

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