IMPHAL, Dec 4 (Newmai News Network): The United Naga Council (UNC) has said today that the vexed Indo-Naga issue is about to be settled and as such there is an increasing need for engagement on various fronts and to build up the preparedness of our people for waging peace both within and without.
For this, as notified earlier, prayer programmes are being convened on December 8 and 9 for an early and honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and also for the success of the next round of tripartite talk on Alternative Arrangement.
“Having declared the severance of political ties with government of Manipur, the Nagas in Manipur under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) have embarked upon the democratic process of dialogue on the demand for an Alternative Arrangement outside the government of Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue. The 4th round of tripartite talk of the government of India, government of Manipur and the UNC was held at Delhi on August 31, 2012, wherein the UNC had submitted the postulates of the demand of Alternative Arrangement and the government of India had assured to take forward the dialogue process with the next round of talk at an early date and at a venue in the hill areas of the present State of Manipur.
“At the higher level of negotiation on the larger Indo-Naga issue, much progress is being made and with blessing of the Almighty God a settlement based on the “unique history and situation of the Nagas” will be arrived at within a very short time,” the UNC communique stated today.
The UNC then appeals to the Nagas in Manipur for continued prayer support and also material contributions towards meeting requirements for adequate response to emerging situations. As already circulated to the churches we are also reaching out to the general public through the media for observation of a special prayer service and also a special offering, be it in material or cash. The offering collections may be submitted to the UNC through the respective tribe’s church association or organosation, the Naga body added.