UNC Statement on destruction of houses of Silent village by Manipur Police commandos

Tahamzam, 2nd October, 2013

The destruction of 4 houses in Silent Tangkhul village by the Police Commandos of the communal Government of Manipur(GoM) at around 6. 00 pm on 1st October, 2013 is most condemnable. The four houses were makeshift shelters of families whose houses had been burnt down on 3rd May, 2013 by communal forces. This time around it was the commando force of the GoM, which has taken over from the non state communal forces. This lawless act was carried out in spite of the presence and request for restraint of the IRBs, who had been stationed there in view of the law and order situation since the 3rd May, 2013 attack. While it is the bounden duty of a Government to protect the life and property of its citizens, irrespective of the community that they belong to, the GoM uses its force to destroy the shelters of citizens whose houses have been burnt down by communal forces.

What makes this incident significant is that it is not an isolated aberration. The reprehensible manner and force deployed in wiping out the Naga River Colony in Imphal on the pretext of making space for a 5 star hotel and the harassment, intimidation, damage to property of tribals in Poumai Colony -Laipham Khunou to stop them from constructing houses on land they have purchased on the pretext of protecting agricultural land in the heart of Imphal city are examples, and of which tribal areas are replete with, how the communal agenda are being pursued by both the state and non state actors of the Imphal valley.

It is all pervasive - legislations, acts and laws, force and violence are all being used to uproot tribals from their rightful places. On the other hand appeals are made from official and public platform unceasingly for peace co-existence among the communities. As per the GoM, Nagas and tribal must suffer "peacefully" while their constitutional rights, their land, their identity and democratic aspirations are being obliterated with brute force or subtle instruments. The much spoken of "social divide" stems from the unmistakeable fact that everything that makes for dignity and honour of the human person of the tribals is sought to be kept in the custody of the communal GoM and the dominant community which informs and influence its decision.

The tripartite dialogue process of the Nagas in Manipur, the Govt. of India and the GoM seeks to address this very issue of social divide and empowerment through an alternative arrangement outside the GoM. It is a democratic process and Nagas have been upholding it with due respect. But despite this, the GoM continues to use its machineries and force to usurp the land and rights of the Nagas and the tribals, disrespecting the process of peace and settlement. There is no desire nor attempt to respect the tribal and their democratic rights. Rather what will be allowed to the tribals is determined by the interest of the GoM, which ironically GoM claims to be that of the entire people of the State. Nagas and tribals will have to be ever vigilant and be in readiness to engage the communal designs of the adversary effectively.

Publicity Wing
United Naga Council