UNC backs, calls bandh in Naga areas
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, March 13 2016: The United Naga Council (UNC) has postponed its plans to organise a 'coffin rally' on March 14 and instead decided to clamp a 15 hour total shut down in all the "Naga tribal districts", National Highways, all the National and international projects with effect from midnight of March 17 in support of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against 3 'Anti-Tribal Bills' and as a mark of 200 days of "sorrow and unrelenting struggle" for justice and "our continued fight for our inalienable" tribal rights over lands and identity and also to pay befitting tributes to the 9 tribal "martyrs" .

According to the UNC, the 3 'anti-tribal Bills' passed by the Manipur State Assembly on August 31, 2015 was followed by sudden spontaneous uproar by the tribals in the "present" State of Manipur.

The protests were a culmination of the rage and resent- ment felt against decades of subjugation, marginalization and oppressive policies of the "communal" Government of Manipur towards the indigenous tribal people.

"9 tribal brave hearts had martyred for the tribal cause.

Their mortal remains still await acceptable solution for their fellow tribals and honorable burial," the UNC added.

According to the UNC, the inordinate delay on the part of the Government of India (GoI) in resolving the issue even after 200 days is beyond human imagination and also ques- tioned the authority of the Central Government for allowing a free hand to 'State sponsored terrorism'.

The Government of India should intervene and recue the indigenous tribal people from "O Ibobi Singh and his Government".

The United Naga Council (UNC) also appealed to the public to extend fullest support and co-operation for effective implementation of 15 hours total shut down.

"All the tribes and regional organizations are informed to take up every appropriate measures or steps in their respective jurisdictions.

Anyone defying or violating the directive shall be at his/her own risk," the UNC cautioned .

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