IMPHAL, Dec 6: The ZU (AMN) has strongly condemned the UNC for opposing the State Level Orange Festival at Tamenglong District HQ.
A statement of the union said since the ZU(AMN)-an apex body of the Zeliangrong people is not consulted/informed in the matter regarding State Level Orange Festival, any decision/resolution taken up by the United Naga Council is not acceptable to the Zeliangrong people.
It said, the UNC boycotting the ensuing State Level Orange Festival in Tamenglong District H.Q. is very unfortunate and it is totally against the interest of the Zeliangrong people.
The union further urged the UNC not to interfere in any matter relating to the Zeliangrong people and any developmental projects in the Zeliangrong inhabited areas.
Recalling the past State Level Festivals and other big District Level functions in the Naga areas, the UNC had then totally failed to either stop Naga Dance troupes from participating or stop the State Government VIP`s from attending, it said.
Questioning why the UNC was targeting only the State-level Orange festival, the union said festivals like Pineapple Festival, Lemon Festival among others were allowed to be held freely.
Citing that it has learnt from reliable sources that the Prime Minister has already sanctioned a special package for the poor orange growers, it said let the poor orange growers benefit through this festival.
It has further appealed to the concerned authority to furnish details report on the PM “Special Package” for poor Orange growers and the same copy be handed over to ZU(AMN) Head office at the earliest.
Lastly, the ZU(AMN) once again appeal to all the UG Organisations operating in Tamenglong District not to hamper the ensuing State Level Orange Festival 2014 in the interest of our poor Orange growers.