Sit-in protest against Sadar Hills district
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 25 2011: Naga people residing in Sadar Hills area of Senapati district staged a protest demonstration at Siangmai Namdai village today against creation of Sadar Hills district.

The protest demonstration was participated by a large number of people coming from around 120 Naga villages.

They put up placards which read as "No Sadar Hills district without Nagas' consent", "No re-organisation of administrative boundaries", "We oppose creation of Sadar Hills district", "The demand of SHDDC has no consensus", etc.

The protesters also chanted the slogans, "Honour and uphold MoUs", "We oppose inclusion in the valley" etc.

Addressing a meeting organised as part of the sit-in-protest, UNC general secretary Gaudian Kamei alleged that the Government of Manipur has been forfeiting the rights of tribal people since many years back.

Accusing the State Government of following a divide and rule policy to breed animosity among different communities in the hill districts, Gaudian Kamei asserted that it is the right of Nagas to protect their territory.

He further stated that Nagas would not compromise even a single inch of their land.

Voice raised against Sadar Hills district

All the unwanted consequences resulting from the economic blockade are the making of the State Government.

Saying that no force can subdue the aspirations of Naga people, the UNC functionary maintained that the Naga people have no ill-feeling against any other community.

Noting that many Councillors have been elected after holding ADC elections against the wish of Naga people, Gaudian Kamei observed that some people have been working in their own selfish interest against the collective aspiration of Naga unification.

He said that it was still not too late for the elected ADC Members to give in to the Naga people.

The demand for alternative arrangement is not about a new State or a Union Territory.

It is for an alternative administration outside the jurisdiction of the Government of Manipur for some period before the ongoing peace talk with the Government of India arrives at a lasting solution.

The protest demonstration was also participated by leaders of several Naga organisations including the Southern Senapati Naga Village Council.

On the other hand, students of Saint Francis School, Daili took out a protest rally at Kangpokpi demanding an early solution to the vexed Sadar Hills district issue.

The students also submitted a memorandum at the office of ADC Kangpokpi.