IMPHAL, May 11: Coming out strongly against the allegedly ‘biased’ and ‘one sided decision’ of O Ibobi-led Congress government to approach the Central government on ILPs issue, the United Naga Council (UNC) has decided to endorse the 48-hours total shutdown in tribal territories starting from May 16 midnight.
Similarly, ATSUM has also condemned the resolution to send a political party team to New Delhi to lobby for the three bills describing it as ‘senseless’. The National People’s Party has maintained that without unanimity between the hills and valley people on the issue, the trip will be fruitless.
Many other organisations have also expressed their concerns over rationality of sending an all political party team to seek favour from the Centre.
UNC backs JAC 48-hr shut down in tribal areas
KANGPOKPI: In a statement, the UNC appealed to the tribal to extend support and co-operation to the proposed agitation while warning against any anti-tribal elements aimed at disturbing the tribal movement.
It slammed the State government for taking the decision to send a delegation of all political parties to New Delhi to press implementation of the ILPS bills passed in the State Assembly on August 31, 2015.
Stating that the bills have further divided the tribal and valley based populations, UNC said the government’s decision to side with anti-tribal group has sent a negative message to the world rather than maintaining neutral stand to subside the present social and political turmoil.
While appealing to the general public to support the proposed 48 hours total shutdown in all tribal areas, it warned that any violation of the democratic agitation will be dealt with strong reaction as it will be considered as anti-tribal activity.
UNC contended that the Congress-led government undermining the sentiments and aspirations of the tribal in the State has grossly decided to protect only the interest of the valley based majorities.
Despite the nine dead bodies of the tribal martyrs still lying unburied even after 250 plus days, the State government sided with communal policies to oppress the tribal’s protest; it alleged.
Saying that the ‘destructive’ agendas of the State government will not serve any purpose but would divide the State and promote social and political unrest; UNC in the statement added that the steps of the ‘communal’ O.Ibobi-led Congress government will only unite the tribal community with its own proven historical identity, land, culture and history to achieve its aspirations at all cost.