UNC reiterates objection to new districts
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, September 28 2023:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated its stand against the creation of seven new districts in Manipur on December 8, 2016 .
"In the wake of the ethnic conflict that has engulfed the State of Manipur since May 3, 2023, and the violently manifested geographical and demographic contestation between the conflicting parties, it has become critical for the Nagas to bring out into the public domain the unsettled issue of the rejection of the creation of seven new districts on 8/12/2016 by the then Congress State Government of Manipur," the UNC said in a statement issued to Newmai News Network tonight.
The UNC said the Nagas have rejected the declaration of seven new districts on December 8, 2016, and strongly demonstrated the rejection with the mass rally held in Naga district headquarters on December 15, 2016, and the 139 days of economic blockade along the National highways.
The UNC further said the 10 rounds of tripartite talks between the Government of Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Government of India on the creation of new districts was based on the recognition that "there was non-adherence to the four memorandums of understanding signed by the Government of Manipur with Naga organisations and the assurance of the Government of India on the matter" .
The UNC added it had clearly placed in the public domain and in its memorandum to the Government of India that the Nagas will not accept any disintegration of Naga land or any act that will adversely affect the interest of the Nagas while attempting to address demands by any other community.
The UNC then reiterated its position against the alleged arbitrary, undemo- cratic, unconstitutional and divisive declaration of seven new districts on 8/12/2016 by the then Government of Manipur.
Any subsequent decision or ruling passed by any institution or authority on the matter stands rejected and shall be vehemently opposed till the same is withdrawn, it said.
"To rectify the errors of the past will surely prove to be beneficial to all concerned and restore confidence and goodwill in the system," the Naga body added.