UNC strikes same chord with ANSAM, SDSA
Reminds Govt of riders
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2011:
Even as the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee shows no sign of easing their stand, the United Naga Council (UNC) has categorically stated that it would not accept bifurcation of 'Naga areas' without the wishes and consent of the Naga people.
The UNC's stand comes close on the heels of the stand of the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (Ansam) and Senapati District Students' Association that creation of the proposed district should be based on consensus and should be with the consent of Nagas.
Intensifying the decades old demand to upgrade Sadar Hills to a full fledged district, a number of Government offices and vehicles plying along the National Highways have been torched and reduced to ashes.
The agitation which started on August 1 has been extended to August 31 midnight.
The SHDDC has also been imposing an indefinite general strike since Tuesday midnight.
In a statement issued by its publicity wing today, the UNC said 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 State Government to create Sadar Hills district without consulting the Nagas will be strongly opposed.
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The UNC also laid down certain points pertaining to Sadar hills issue.
Expounding, it said the Nagas have signed four MoUs with the State Government wherein the MoU of 1998 stated "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" .
Hence the Government should not take any hasty decision in this matter.
"The inept handling of the present crisis and biased attitude demonstrated by the Government of Manipur is viewed by the Nagas as an attempt to pit one community against the other," said the UNC.
All emergency cases including seriously ill persons should be allowed free passage for medical treatment within 24 hours time, said UNC and added that in the event that this humanitarian arrangement comes to naught, the Nagas would blame the State Government for any casualties caused due to lack of medical attention.
The UNC further said that forcing the Nagas to contribute money to fund the agitation and asking them to organise rallies and dharnas in support of Sadar Hills District against their will should be immediately stopped.
Henceforth Nagas will not tolerate those elements and the State Government would be held responsible any untoward incidents arising out of it, warned UNC.