Newmai News Network
SENAPATI, AUGUST 10
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he United Naga Council (UNC) has asked the Naga people in Manipur not to participate in the Independence Day celebration (15 August) under the aegis of the Manipur government.
In a statement today, the UNC said to take forward the demand, after the completion of the 10 days ban on construction works on all national projects at 6 am of August 11, 2014, it has been decided that the Naga people in present state of Manipur will not associate with the observation of the Independence Day organized by the district administrations under the aegis of the Government of Manipur. However, there will be no restriction on observing of the Independence Day in the respective institutions/organizational jurisdictions, the UNC added.All Naga organisations will ensure that the above is effectively observed in their respective jurisdictions, the UNC stated.
According to the UNC statement, democratic civil actions have been taken up by the Naga people to demand for immediate intervention of the Government of India with an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue as the militarization of Naga areas continues, particularly in Ukhrul, by the Government of Manipur, which has also launched an aggressive back door policy to usurp the land of the tribals through the New Land Use Policy of Manipur (2014), introduction of Village Development Committees, New Land Acquisition Bill and appointment of Revenue Tribunals. Mr. Ibobi, Chief Minister has also been maintaining that there are no Nagas nor does any land belong to the Nagas in Manipur, the UNC stated.
