PRESS STATEMENT
Dated Tahamzam, 30th December, 2012
The United Naga Council acknowledges the cooperation and solidarity of the Naga public towards the successful observation of the 72 hours bandh with effect from the midnight of 26th December, 2012 and which ended at midnight of 29th December, 2012. As earlier made public the bandh had been called in Naga areas to register our protest against the unabated communal attacks on Nagas in the Imphal valley starting from the midnight of 21st December, 2012 and for which reason to reiterate the established political position of the Nagas for immediate intervention of the Government of India(GoI) with an alternative arrangement outside the communal Government of Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
The peaceful and democratic response of the people in spite of the Christmas season and many scheduled community programmes speaks loud and clear of the sentiments of the people. The unbridgeable differences- historically, culturally, socially and even in religion between the Tribals in Manipur and the Meiteis has been brought out most distinctly by the success of the bandh.
The dislocation of programmes particularly for Christmas celebration, jubilees, conference etc which were scheduled much ahead of the sudden bandh is regretted but we assure the Naga public that the spirit of sacrifice and involvement with which inconveniences and difficulties had been borne by the people has sent out a clear message to the world and it is for the GoI to take cognizance of the same for early intervention as demanded by the people.
The same measure of involvement and participation of the general Naga public will be indispensable for sustaining the people’s movement till our aspiration is realised. Given the situation that is being created by those who do not wish well of the Nagas and their aspirations, our rights have to be fought for in greater intensity through peaceful and democratic means. The Naga public is therefore informed to be in constant readiness for united engagements in the coming days.
Publicity Wing
United Naga Council
Posted: 2012-12-30
