UNC comes back with another indefinite blockade
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Imphal, August 20 2011: Amidst the blockade imposed by SHDDC on NH 39 and 53 demanding the conversion of Sadar hills into a full fledged district the UNC showing resentment of the Naga people against an attempt to bifurcate the Naga areas to pave way for creation of Sadar Hills district has imposed a total indefinite blockade along the National Highways in Manipur from 1am of August 21in the Naga areas of Manipur.

"The United Naga Council will not accept bifurcation of Naga areas without the wishes and consent of the Nagas.

The Nagas have been resisting arbitrary encroachment and creation of artificial boundary of their land since colonial period and hence any attempt on the part of the Government of Manipur to create new District without consulting the Nagas will be strongly opposed," said a statement issued by UNC publicity wing.

UNC caretaker Milan said, "The total indefinite bandh will be imposed on the NH 39, 150 and 53 without any exception for Inter-State and State Passanger Services, Commercial (goods) vehicles" with effect from 1am of August 21in the Naga areas of Manipur.

"The Nagas have signed four MOUs with the government of Manipur, wherein the MOU of 1998 stated that " resolution to the conflict on the issue of SADAR HILLS will be brought about through a consensus of the peoples concerned in the interest of bringing about lasting peace and harmony between the Nagas and Kukis," the UNC asserted.

Further, the apex Naga body stated that "the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding agreed to honour the agreement entered into 1981, 1992, 1996 and also recognized as the issue of land as the bone of contention between the Kukis and Nagas" .

In this regard, the UNC warned that "the government should not take any hasty decision in this matter." The indefinite blockade came a day after a massive rallies witnessed in four Naga districts against the creation of Sadar Hills district.

The Naga body also alleged the "Manipur government of mishandling the present crisis and maintaining a bias attitude" and this could termed "as deliberate attempt to pit one community against the others" .

The bandh imposed by the UNC is a serious blow to the state which is already reeling under severe shortage of essential necessities.

The Sadar Hills bandh has been going since August 1 .

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