UNC calls 12 hour bandh on June 18

Newmai News Network Senapati | June 15   The United Naga Council (UNC) today announced a 12-hour 'total shut down' on June 18 in 'Naga territories' in Manipur from 6 am onward "in support of the Indo-Naga peace process" and urging to translate the 'historic Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 in New Delhi to its logical conclusion at the earliest based on the unique history of the Nagas and situation".   According to the publicity wing of the UNC, the Nagas have been defending their land against any forces attempting to intrude and decide upon them without consulting the Naga people since time immemorial".   The UNC stated that it decided to call the bandh, "As our land, identity, history, tradition, culture and time honored institution are not secured under the present political system." It is the obligation of every generation to uphold this position, the council added.   However, religious programmes, water supply, electricity, telecom, medical and media have been exempted from the purview of the bandh.   The council asked tribes to ensure that the total shut down is strictly enforced in their respective jurisdiction and further warned, “Anyone found violating the total shut down shall be at his own risk".