The United Naga Council (UNC) has asked the Manipur Government to stop âusing force against the innocent peopleâ along the highways. âFor how long the Manipur Government can use force against the people who are carrying out a democratic movement?â it asked.
The United Naga Council (UNC) while reiterating its position to Newmai News Network this evening stated that the economic blockade is not intended to target the general public but âwe are expressing our opposition to the plan of the Manipur Government to create Sadar Hills and Jiribam districtsâ. The UNC said that the Manipur Government should declare its position âloud and clearâ to the people on the issue of Sadar Hills and Jiribam âinstead of remaining silent.â
According to the UNC, the Manipur Governmentâs failure to send its representatives on November 15 to New Delhi for talk points to the latter not wanting to resolve the issue peacefully.
âWhen the Government of India invited the UNC and Manipur Government to hold talk on November 15, we (UNC) went with a hope to resolve the issue peacefully but the Manipur Government did not send its representatives,â the UNC alleged, adding, âIt is the Manipur Government which is trying to create more trouble in the state.â The UNC also alleged that the Manipur Government was discreetly trying to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as districts on October 31. âBut its plan was exposed by the Nagas,â said the UNC, and asked, âSo, who is to be blamed for the prevailing situation in Manipur?â
The UNC further asked the Manipur Government to uphold the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on the issue and to also honour the assurance given by the Central Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The UNC also accused the Manipur Government of âworking very hardâ to paint the Nagas âin a bad lightâ. The Naga body further demanded the unconditional release of its president, Gaidon Kamei and its Information Secretary, SK Stephen. âThey are not criminals,â the UNC asserted.
Source: Morung Express