KANGPOKPI, December 3: Reiterating its stance against the invitation of the State government’s elected members in Naga areas, the United Naga Council (UNC) in a statement has objected to invitation of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam to Khoupum Valley by All Zeliangrong Student’s Union (AZSU)-Assam, Manipur Nagaland.
The stiff opposition of the Naga apex body came after AZSU decided to invite the Dy CM Gaikhangam who is also the Home Minister for gracing the Rani Gaidinliu Birth Centenary cum Golden Jubilee celebration as chief guest.
The programme is to be held at Thanagong village from December 15 to 18.
The UNC in a statement justifying its stance clarified that it does not have any opposition to any students’ body organizing such grand event and celebration but the Naga apex body strongly opposes the invitation of Dy CM who is considered as ‘anti-tribal’ and ‘anti-Naga’ by all.
Considering the recent socio-political unrest in the State after the passage of the anti-tribal bills passed in Manipur Assembly which communalizes and impinges upon the tribal rights by person like Gaikhangam, it is in best interest of the people to boycott the Dy CM rather than providing a platform to propagate lies and communal ideas, it stated.
Questioning the hidden agendas of the Central Organizing Committee (COC) formation when the tribal and Nagas of Manipur are collectively protesting against the ‘communal’ Manipur government functioning at the behest of persons like Dy CM, the UNC said such attempt to misguide the public by welcoming him is unacceptable.
It is an attempt by the ‘communal government’ in unison with some few vested individuals to mislead the people and spread false propaganda to the people, it said.
Calling upon all right thinking people to come out against those elements who are against people’s aspirations and common wisdom, the UNC in the statement appealed to the people of Khoupum and the student’s body to understand the dangerous motives and policies of the government attempting to suppress the rights and aspirations of the tribal and Nagas of Manipur.
The Naga apex body sought support and cooperation of the people in boycotting the invitation of the Dy CM for taking part in the Rani Gaidinliu Birth Centenary cum Golden Jubilee celebration.