IMPHAL, Nov 13(NNN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has directed the Nagas not to participate in the forth coming Manipur government sponsored Sangai Festival in Imphal. The UNC also asked the Naga frontal organisations, village level organisations and individuals not to welcome MLAs, ministers and members of Autonomous District Councils in Naga areas in Manipur.
Giving its reasons, the UNC said in continuation of the public statement of May 14, 2012 and the directive October 9, 2012 issued by the United Naga Council, the public statement of direction is being issued with regard to the observation of severance of political ties with the communal Government of Manipur as per the July 1, 2010 declaration of the Naga Peoples’ Convention.
“Because of the political posture of severance of ties there is a democratic process of dialogue in the form of the Tripartite Talk of the Government of India, government of Manipur and the UNC on the demand for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. The dilution of the severance of ties by associating with Ministers of the government of Manipur, Naga MLAs of the ruling party of the government of Manipur and unmandated ADC members is very damaging to the political position taken by the Nagas in Manipur,” the UNC stated.
“It is therefore reiterated that there is no objection nor intent to disturb any development works in the Naga areas, the absence of which is one of the unmistakeable facts that calls for severance of ties. Development works can very well be supervised and monitored by the designated officials/professionals and also by the Naga public who are the stakeholders. However, no Ministers or MLAs of the ruling party of the government of Manipur Naga ADC members should be welcomed in the Naga areas on the pretext of development, cultural or political programmes. We are not against any particular personality but the official positions they occupy which negates the political position of the Naga people. Therefore all Naga frontal bodies, regional/districts, tribe, range and village level organisations and individuals are directed not to entertain or associate with or confer recognition/provide public platform to the above designated persons,” it urged.
“Further all individuals and tribes are advised to stay away from the state sponsored Sangai Festival and other such programmes because the government of Manipur seeks to project a picture of social harmony in contrast to the reality of “social divide” on communal line in the State of Manipur which the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India had spoken about.
“The regional/district organisations and tribe hohos will ensure that there is effective compliance of this directive in their respective jurisdictions,” the UNC added.