UNC strikes tough stand
Free movement on NH-202 demanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 17 2026: Amid rising tensions between the Naga and Kuki community, the United Naga Council (UNC) president Ng Lorho has declared that Nagas will defend their people and protect their land.

He made the remark while briefing media persons after a consultative meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in Naga homeland held at Tangkhul Baptist Church Imphal Hall on Thursday.

According to the UNC president, the outcome of the one-day consultative meeting was positive and brought increased awareness about the current situation.

UNC strikes tough stand

Notably, the UNC president cautioned that if the Government of Manipur does not settle the ongoing situation and ensure free movement in Naga areas along the National High-way-202, then Nagas may be compelled to take appropriate action.

Nagas want peaceful coexistence with all communities.

However, the neutrality shown by Nagas should not be seen as weakness, said the president of the Nagas' apex body.

He further informed that opinions and suggestions expressed by people during the consultative meeting will be looked into.

Responding to a query, he said the meeting was organized to unify the Naga people and send a message to the people to live in peace with everyone.

He reiterated that Nagas have no ill-feelings or bad intent against any community, however Naga people and their land will be protected.

UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang said that Naga people had maintained neutrality during the Meetei-Kuki conflict.

However, now "one community" has infringed on the rights of the Nagas.

The UNC had also consulted different communities across the border to maintain peace.

However, as they continue to observe the situation silently, he said "one community" has been provoking the Nagas and they cannot remain silent anymore and have to defend their rights.

The consultative meeting with different Naga communities was conducted for this reason, he added.

The programme was led by Vareiyo Shatsang with Andria Anal, speaker All Naga Students' Association Manipur and Worleichan A Shimray, art & culture secretary, Naga Women's Union (NWU) as rapporteurs.

There was a discussion and interaction with the participants from different Naga communities of Manipur.

The meeting was attended by Naga Church leaders, members of Naga Journalists' Union, Naga Lawyers Association, Naga Doctors' Association, Naga Peoples' Union Imphal, Naga students of MU, RIMS and JNIMS and UNC along with the office bearers of All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM), NWU and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights-South.