Centre invites United Naga Council for talks on border fencing; trade embargo suspended

KOHIMA — The central government has invited the United Naga Council (UNC) for another round of talks on the issue of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.

In a letter addressed to UNC president Ng. Lorho, Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been engaging with UNC regarding fencing in Naga-inhabited areas along the international border. He added that the state government has also received memoranda and representations on the matter.

The letter said the Centre has taken note of concerns raised by the UNC and other stakeholders, and assured that dialogue with them would continue for prior consultation before fencing works are undertaken. It further informed that the next tripartite meeting with the UNC would be held at a mutually convenient date and venue.

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The chief secretary also requested the UNC to withdraw any form of agitation in the larger public interest.

Following the communication, the UNC convened an emergency presidential council meeting on Thursday at Tahamzam. In a statement issued afterwards, the council said it appreciated the Centre’s acknowledgement of earlier engagements with the UNC and the receipt of its memoranda and representations. It also welcomed the assurance that prior consultation with the UNC and other stakeholders would be held before any fencing work begins.

In view of this, the UNC announced the temporary suspension of its ongoing trade embargo in Naga areas with effect from 6 pm on September 11.