UNC plans agitation over deaths in police crackdown in Manipur

The dead bodies of two Tangkhuls who were killed in a police crackdown in Ukhrul district on Saturday were eventually buried at Tangkhul Nagalong ground on Monday after a mass condolence meeting there. It was attended by thousands of persons of the district and representatives from other Naga areas.

Meanwhile, a ban on all national projects in the state and vehicular movements was also announced. Besides, the meeting resolved not to accept Rs 5 lakh exgratia announced to each of the families.

A day long meeting was held at Tangkhul Nagalong ground at the district headquarters with the dead bodies kept there. L. Adani, the president of United Naga Council which has been spearheading agitations demanding alternative arrangements for the Nagas in Manipur said that all national projects in the state will be banned. Besides, no movement of vehicles shall be allowed in the Naga areas with effect from 6 a.m. on September 4. The bans shall continue till the union government intervenes to find out an amicable solution.

During the condolence meeting, it was resolved that the

exgratia announced by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday in Imphal shall not be accepted. Both the victims were declared as martyrs. Both of them hailed from Tuinem village about 22 km away from the district headquarters. They were married and both the wives are at advanced stage of pregnancy.

Indications are that if there is no positive response from the government, indefinite economic blockade may be imposed against Manipur.