UNC threatens to re-impose ban on National Projects
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 06 2013 : The 3rd Council Assembly of the United Naga Council (UNC) held at Leibi Maring village, Tengnoupal Sub-Division, Chamdil seriously viewed the indifference of the Government of India (GoI) to the democratic process of dialogue among the GoI, Government of Manipur (GoM) and the UNC on the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the GoM pending a settlement to the India Naga issue.

It decided that the ban on construction works on all National projects in Naga areas which was temporarily suspended with effect from September 3, 2013 would be re-imposed indefinitely should no positive response be received from the GoI within one week's time.

In spite of its assurance in the 6th round of talk held on August 30, 2013 at Delhi to convene the next round of talk within two months' time, the GoI has not done so nor responded to any communication on the matter.

GoI had also committed vide MHA letter dated 31/8/2013 its firm and sincere intention to end the stalemate on the demands of the UNC and for taking the process to the political level, claimed a press release issued by the UNC.

The October 29, 2013 reminder for timely convening of the next round of tripartite talk and the 48 hours ban on vehicular traffic on National highways observed by the Naga people to protest against delay in holding the next round of talk have not elicited any response from the GoI till date.

While the dialogue process is left in a limbo, the policies of the alleged communal GoM to usurp the land of the Nagas and tribal continues unabated and in more aggressive measures.

Tribal villages in the hills are being placed under the jurisdiction of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur valley district police.

The creation of Jiribam district is being plotted by slicing off Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district.

The GoI remains a mute spectator to all these communal activities of the GoM, inviting agitation and protest, it alleged.

The UNC said that Nagas should refrain from participating or associating with any festivals or mega events organised by the State Government on the pretext of which the political position of the Nagas in Manipur are being sought to be diluted.

"While taking up democratic and legitimate agitation for protection of our rights over our land and resources, identity, history and traditional practice, there is every likelihood that the GoM may adopt repressive measures to suppress our voices and rights.

In view of such situation, the Naga people are informed to remain alert and be in readiness to unitedly face any eventuality", it added.

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