Free UNC leaders : UADC
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, December 01 2016: Ukhrul ADC members have appealed the State Government to release the arrested UNC leaders without further delay as the situation has worsened and become more volatile.

UADC chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung while briefing media persons of Ukhrul at his residence at Alungtang today, said that the State Government instead of exploring the possibility of holding a dialogue with the UNC arrested its president and another leader which is not fair.

The UADC Chairman said that treating Gaidon Kamei and Stephen Sankhui like common criminals is not acceptable and added that they are leaders of a major civil society organisation of the Nagas.

The UNC imposed the economic blockade to resolve the issue democratically without violence, said Ngalung and added that it would be wrong on the part of the Government to legally prosecute them because Sadar Hills is a political issue and it should be dealt with politically.

Stating that Sadar Hills is not a new issue, the UADC Chairman said that the State Government had attempted to announce it as a district 3/4 times earlier each time and this stand had to be rolled back following stiff opposition from the Nagas.

The State Government and Naga civil organizations had signed MoUs to the understanding that before taking any final decision all the stakeholders would be consulted, recalled Ngalung.

In 2011 at Senapati, the Chief Minister in the presence of the Union Home Minister reaffirmed and reassured that no decision would be taken without consulting all sections of the people and stakeholders including the Nagas civil organizations.

However despite this, the State Government tried to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full fledged districts, said the UADC Chairman and added that this prompted the UNC to impose the economic blockade from November 1 .

Dr Yaronsho Ngalung further expressed dismay on the ulterior motive to declare Jiribam district brushing aside the rights of other communities.

He further alleged it was the ploy of the State Government to derail and sabotage the Indo- Naga peace process by creating issues within the tribal communities.

He further claimed that once the Indo-Naga issue is resolved it will not only benefit the Nagas but all the tribals of the State, including the valley brethren and even the whole North East region.

The State Government should seek peaceful means, invite UNC leaders for a political dialogue and resolve the issue and the charges levelled against the UNC leaders should be rolled back.

It will be for the good of all for the State Government to release the arrested UNC leaders without any condition as soon as possible, he added.

The Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) also sought timely intervention of the Centre to resolve the issue.

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