'AA demand is for all tribals'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, August 17 2013 : "Alternative Arrangement has been demanded by the Nagas since 2010 from the government of India but it is for all the tribal people in Manipur," said Asinpou Gangmei, vice-chairman of Alternative Arrangement Demand Committee.

Talking to reporters at Noney in Tamenglong district today, Asinpou Gangmei said the Alternative Arrangement demanded by the Nagas under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC) is for the interest of all the tribal communities in Manipur.

"For the first time on July 1, 2010, the UNC had demanded from the government of India that Nagas could no longer remain in the present Manipur and if the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks was going to prolong, an 'alternative arrangement' should be made for the Nagas (which should be outside the government of Manipur)," said Asinpou Gangmei, adding,"But in all our memoranda submitted to the central leaders we mentioned it for the tribals" .

According to Asinpou Gangmei, the Alternative Arrangement demand is not only for the Nagas but for all the tribal people in Manipur.

"Our demand is neither to oppose the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) nor the Zomis," the Naga leader stated.

Talks on the Alternative Arrangement were held for few rounds but it had not been resumed for sometime now.

For the resumption of the talks, the UNC had organised a 48-hour Naga areas bandh which had concluded on August 13 midnight but the indefinite ban on national project constructions including railway line is underway.

"If the government does not response in the next few days we will intensify our agitation," warns Asinpou Gangmei.

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