UNC urged to clear stand on Indigenous People's Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 20 2025: Meitei Leepun (ML) has urged the United Naga Council (UNC) to clarify its agenda for directing Nagas not to attend the World Day for Indigenous Peoples-2025 held on August 9 at City Convention, Imphal.

Stating that the event was meant for all indigenous communities of the Northeast region, Meitei Leepun expressed the UNC's stance has created confusion among the indigenous people.

Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club, here, on Wednesday, ML chief of army Heishnam Shilan said Manipur is home to various indigenous communities including Meetei, Tangkhul, Mao, Maram, Paomei, Liangmai, Zeme, Inpui and Kabui, and urged the UNC to clarify if there was any hidden agenda behind directing Nagas to stay away from the Indigenous People's Day 2025 celebration.

He described as unfortunate the silence of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the state when the UNC dictated Naga leader Ashang Kasar, who had spoken for the unity and integrity of the state, not to participate in the event.

Referring to past incidents, Shilan recalled that the Liangmai community had enforced blockade to oppose construction of the German/ Tiger Road undertaken by the Kukis, following which the government of India and the President's Rule administration intervened and persuaded them to suspend the agitation.

However, he lamented that no such initiative has been taken by the government despite the Meetei community being unable to use national highways for the past two years, forcing them to rely on air travel at much higher costs.

He urged both the central and state governments to take necessary steps to ensure that the Meeteis have access to all national highways in the state without restriction.

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