Chandel Naga NGOs to back UNC call
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2011: Naga civil society organisations of Chandel district will enforce economic blockade on the Imphal-Moreh road till there is an agreement between the United Naga Council (UNC) and Government of Manipur, affirmed the convenor of Chandel Naga Civil Society Co-ordination Core Committee Cohring Victor.

Speaking to news-persons at Thamnapokpi today, Cohring reminded all concerned that the ongoing UNC-sponsored movement is to urge the Government of Manipur that no land of the Nagas should be distorted when there is reorganisation of district boundaries or formation of new districts.

Pointing out that the UNC-led movement enforced at Thamnapokpi area of Imphal-Moreh route on the NH-39 under the aegis of Chandel Naga Peoples' Organisation (CNPO) has completed 38 days today, the convenor said, with the exception of goods carriers, there is no restriction on plying of vehicles through Thamnapokpi.

However some transport operators defying sincere appeal of the Committee to extend cooperation and abstain from carrying goods had been infuriating volunteers enforcing the economic blockade, he expressed.

A vehicle being checked at Thamnapokpi area

Clarifying that the accident of a loaded Tata Sumo on September 23 night at Thamnapokpi area was due to self mishap and not because of attack by blockade supporters as had been accused by some transport organisations, Cohring described such an allegation as baseless and concocted.

based on such false allegation there had been restriction on movement of all forms of transport service at Kakching Lamkhai area which is unfortunate, he maintained.

While conceding that heated arguments between the blockade supporters and security personnel escorting goods carriers heading to Imphal from Moreh take place on a frequent basis, Cohring termed as disturbing report that some transporters have been targeting Chandel-bound vehicles at Kakching Lamkhai.

Inspite of opposition from any quarters there is no question of leniency in enforcing the agitation for the cause of the Naga people and their land, he reiterated.

Core Committee member Paul Hring, who was also present at the media briefing dismissed as baseless the allegations by some transporters that blockade supporters collect money from transport operators and demanded that such a claim be substantiated with evidence.

On the otherhand, Naga Women Union Chandel secretary Bliss asserting that Naga women folk are taking the lead in enforcing economic blockade said with the exception of loaded vehicles there is no disruption caused to vehicular movement on the Imphal-Moreh route.

She maintained that under all circumstances there is need for every section of the society to desist from any activities that could strain cordial relationships between one community and another.

Mention may be made in the aftermath of the agitations in demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district and creation of Jiribam district, the UNC had organised protest rallies at naga-dominated hill districts which was followed by the ongoing counter-blockade against economic blockade.

It is also pertinent to add that in pursuit of the demand for Sadar Hills district economic blockade is currently underway at Sadar hills areas while the Jiribam District Demand Committee is enforcing a 60 hour bandh to demand district status for Jiribam, presently a sub-divisional headquarters of Imphal East district.

In the meantime, amid blockade and bandh calls about 314 loaded trucks arrived at Imphal along the NH-53 this afternoon.

It is said that there are two oil tankers among the vehicle convoy.