Miffed over the “inordinate delay” over the talks in finding out an “alternative arrangement” for the Naga tribes in Manipur, the United Naga Council (UNC) has announced a protracted agitation.
A statement by the UNC said that there will be a mass rally in the Naga district headquarters on Janaury 23. The Nagas in Manipur will boycott the Republic Day celebration if they do not receive a positive response from the State and the Union governments. Besides, the Nagas shall obstruct the construction works of rail-lines and power projects in the State, and will also close down government offices from February 3 to 9, the statement added.
The UNC has been insisting that the Naga tribes in Manipur do not want to stay under the “communal government, led by Okram Ibobi Singh”. It is demanding an alternative arrangement for the Nagas. Though the Union government had initiated the talks in this regard, there is not much enthusiasm since it is felt that there will be many far-reaching consequences. The last round of talks was held in New Delhi on August 30. It was stipulated that the next round of talks shall be held at the political level. However, the UNC is not amused that no fresh date has been announced. Accordingly, the UNC decided to launch the fresh agitations.
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There is no immediate reaction from the State government, as officials say that the next move should come from the Union government.