UNC counters Dy CM's statement
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 30 2015 : After effectively enforcing a 48 hr total bandh in all Naga areas of Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC), in a statement, has acknowledged the public support extended during the bandh.

It stated that the democratic agitation passed off peacefully without any reports of untoward incidents and added that UNC is overwhelmed by people's support for genuine aspirations.

While warning about more intensified agitations if the aspirations of the Nagas are not fulfilled at the earliest possible time, it appealed to the Government of India to expedite the process of fulfilling the demand for alternative arrangement pending Indo-Naga peace process.

Meanwhile, a day after Deputy CM Gaikhangam hit out at the NSCN-IM and UNC over issuing of diktats to present Congress ADC members, the apex Naga body has also fired its salvo back stating that Gaikhangam should come to reality rather than spreading false propaganda of UNC's involvement in such activities.

It added that the UNC is an apex civil body created by Tribe Hohos which have no role to play in threatening or issuing diktats to any individual or group.

UNC stands firm by the decision of 2010 Naga People's Convention (NPC) declaration that the ADC election is 'null and void' and it will stand by its decision to abstain from any form of political participation.

It is people's mandate that those 'unwanted ADC Members' will not be allowed to hold any political or social leadership.

The UNC, while welcoming them back to mainstream, has also made it clear that incumbent ADC Members would not be allowed to contest the upcoming 2015 ADC election.

On the issue of some Congress ADC Members jumping to BJP due to threat and pressures from UNC and NSCN-IM, the UNC countered Gaikhangam saying that any decision by those Congress crafted 'political traitors' (present ADC Members) to shift their camps has nothing do with UNC.

Instead the present O Ibobi led "communal and divisive" State Government should consider its own mistakes and repressive policies against the Nagas and tribals of Manipur.

It may be recalled that on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam challenged the diktat by NSCN (IM) and United Naga Council (UNC) against all aspiring Congress candidates for the ensuing Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections and pledged that the State Government would counter any subversive attempt by the outfit and the Naga body to disrupt the election process.

The Deputy CM made the statement against NSCN (IM) and UNC following reports that these two groups have imposed a ban on all intending Congress candidates from contesting the forthcoming ADC elections.

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