IMPHAL, May 19 (EMN): United Naga Council (UNC), which had once imposed economic blockade on the National Highways in Manipur for about four months, continues to demand revocation of State government’s decision for creation of seven new districts.
The stand of UNC was shared by its president Gaidon Kamei after attending another round of tripartite talks involving the State government, UNC and the Central government at Senapati district headquarters, 60 km north of here on Friday.
Gaidon reaffirmed that UNC will stick to its stand for revocation of the newly created seven new districts in the State. He, however, informed the media that they’re trying to find out a logical conclusion.
Satyendra Garg, Ministry of Home Affairs and in-charge of North East represented the Government of India at the tripartite meeting which was also attended by the Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Suresh Babu and Works Commissioner K Radhakumar, representing the State government.
UNC team was represented by three former presidents along with the incumbent president. Besides the presidents, representatives of the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women Union (NWU) along with the general secretary of Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) attended the meeting.
When sought his comment, Gaidon informed that they’ll discuss the issue with the people as the issue is for people adding the decision will be taken if their demands are not fulfilled.
On the other hand, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Suresh Babu said that they participated in the talk to identify the core issues so that it can be discussed in next round of talks.
It may be mentioned here that UNC had imposed the indefinite economic blockade on November 1 last year initially in protest against the then State government’s move to create Sadar Hills and Jiribam into full fledged districts followed by opposition to creation of seven new districts. Apart from imposing economic blockade, the UNC had halted all national projects in Naga-dominated areas in Manipur.
However, after formation of BJP led coalition government led by the present chief minister N Biren, UNC suspended their agitation and started tripartite talk in March this year.
