UNC imposes 24-hr shutdown in Naga areas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, August 14 2021: United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed "total shutdown in all Naga areas" under its jurisdiction for 24 hours with effect from August 14 midnight, in protest against state government's order to hoist Indian flag in all villages on the occasion of 75th Indian Independence Day.

The order was reportedly issued by chief secretary on August 7 asking all the village chiefs/headmen/chairmen to collect the tricolour from the SDOs concerned and to hoist and celebrate the 75th Independence Day of India on August 15 in their respective villages.

While condemning the said order, a UNC release said that India is democratic country and 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 cheap tactic to further suppress the political aspiration of Naga people and decades long struggle for achieving enduring peace in the region," it said.

It further said that the Naga people vehemently condemned the "recent provocative action of'state security forces in dishonouring the sanctity of Naga National Flag and the people of Chandel district in particular".

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

"Therefore, the district apex organisations, 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 also appealed to the general 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 cautioned.

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