UNC opts for eco blockade
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, September 05 2011: The United Naga Council (UNC) has opted for economic blockade in place of the hitherto enforced total bandh in Naga areas' in Manipur from midnight of September 5 .

With today's development, passenger buses and taxis will resume services in Naga areas from tomorrow.

The UNC said today that the bandh on the transportation of goods has been forced upon the Nagas in view of the persistent and continued threat to their rights particularly the rights to their land.

However, transportation of life saving drugs shall be allowed with valid documents obtained from the authority concerned.

"The UNC once again reiterates that Nagas and only Nagas have the right to decide the fate of their land and any decision, that adversely affects their rights over their land, taken without their consent will be opposed in any manner deemed necessary," affirmed the Naga body.

The UNC had imposed 'total bandh in Naga areas' in Manipur from August 21 .

The UNC had stated that its move had been to express the Naga people's resentment over the "attempts to bifurcate Naga areas in order to create new districts" .

The UNC's agitation had come amid the indefinite blockade underway since the beginning of August 1, sponsored by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) demanding the creation of Sadar Hills district.

There have been violent agitation along the National Highway-2 and NH-37 with scores of vehicles and Government offices set on fire by the SHDDC volunteers.

Amid this situation, the United Naga Council (UNC) had accused the State Government of Manipur on August 20 for mishandling the present crisis.

"Handling of the present crisis and the biased attitude demonstrated by the Government of Manipur has been viewed as a deliberate attempt to pit one community against the other," the UNC had alleged.

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