Naga areas should not be alienated: UNC to PM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2024: The United Naga Council (UNC) has stated that extreme caution must be taken while formulating any plans for resolution of the conflict in Manipur to avoid further conflicts.

The UNC submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and it stated that the Nagas should not be alienated from their land just to appease any particular community.

"The Government of India must note that the following districts and areas belonging to the Nagas must not be allowed to be bifurcated or alienated at any cost.

"The undivided Senapati district, Ukhrul district, Chandel district, Tameng-long district and Chura- chandpur district that include areas of the so called newly created districts of Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Ten-gnoupal and Noney", the UNC asserted.

The ongoing conflict between Meetei and Kuki in Manipur is very unfortunate and it has also adversely impacted the Nagas living in the State of Manipur.

"We have reached out to both the communities to defuse the situation by instituting a "Peace Committee" as soon as the conflict began on May 3, 2023", said the memorandum.

The committee has been engaging in peace building works earnestly.

The situation in Manipur could have been averted had the GoI framed people-friendly policies for the well-being of all prior to the conflict, it said.

The UNC also urged the Prime Minister to expedite the peace process for logical conclusion of the Indo-Naga political conflict based on the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 .

The signing of the Framework Agreement by the two entities i.e the Government of India and NSCN-IM on the principle of shared sovereignty is still cherished with a positive note in the hearts of the Nagas but they have been devastated on seeing that no tangible solution has been reached after a lapse of almost nine years.

Recognising the sanctity of Naga National flag and constitution by the Government of India is a prere- quisite for the peace negotiation to make any signi- ficant progress, it said.

"The flag signifies the most sacred symbol of the Naga peoplehood and the constitution remains our guiding principles that outline our way forward with mutual respect not only within but amongst Nations", the UNC said.

The flag and constitution must be given their rightful place of honour with high regard by all concerned, it said.

The spirit of the framework agreement succinctly emphasized the position of the Nagas in relation to Government of India and as such solution must be formulated accordingly, it added.

UNC also congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term and wished him good health and success.

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