Imphal, August 05: The United Naga Council, UNC, has come out strongly against the statement of the Governor, Ved Marwah, appealing to those who have left their homes to return to their respective places as the situation has returned to normal.

"We demand justification or clarification from the Governor for the statement," a press release of the UNC signed by its president, KS Paul Leo and vice president, P Kazingmei said.

The UNC release said things were not normal as yet and warned all especially Nagas from paying heed to the call until the issue at hand has been put to rest, implying it is still not safe for them in the valley.

"The UNC conveys this word of caution to all especially to all the Naga Politicians, Government Employees, Businessmen and others that till the issue at hand is disposed off the precept �Prevention is better than cure� has wisdom in the prevailing situation, in view of the mosaic of anti-ceasefire (Naga) agitation activities in Imphal valley in the immediate past since 15th June 2001 in gross violation of curfew and the state administration mutely being a spectator with full consciousness (sic)".

The release said when the ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN(IM) was extended without territorial limits on June 14, Imphal went up in flames in blatant violation of the rights of the Nagas in the hill districts of Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati who welcome the peace overture.

It said the "unjustified, aggressive and violent agitation" by the Meiteis gave a good excuse for the government of India to reverse the Bangkok agreement.

Although the reversal is only, verbal so far, the act demonstrated the total lack of self respect amounting to betrayal of self and the counterpart, the release said.

The Nagas hold the Meiteis partly responsible for the volte face which resulted in the withdrawing of the ceasefire from four Naga districts of Manipur and other Naga inhabited areas, the release said.

Since then, the Nagas have been holding poster and banner campaigns together with peaceful rallies to protest the decision and to register the point that Nagas will not take things lying down in a non violent way, the release added.

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