UNC demands immediate withdrawal of security forces from Chandel, Khoupam areas

Newmai News Network Senapati | December 14   The United Naga Council (UNC) on Thursday alleged that the activities of Manipur police commandos and the Para-military force/Army personnel are spoiling the festive mood by “disturbing the peace atmosphere in Chandel and Khoupum areas” of the people.   According to the UNC, frisking and other activities of the security force personnel have created an “alarming situation in these Naga areas.” The UNC further alleged that the security forces have “failed to respect the religious sentiment.”   The Naga body has therefore demanded immediate withdrawal of the security forces from the “peaceful Naga areas.” The UNC said that it will take up its own course of measures if the security forces do not pay heed to its “demand” to withdraw from Chandel and Khoupum areas.   The UNC also demanded that the Assam Rifles vacate from the compound of Kaimai Baptist Church in Tousem sub division of Tamenglong district.   It can be mentioned here that last week, the Kaimai Village Authority had “expressed concern over the construction of barracks by 13 and 23 Assam Rifles on the compound of Kaimai Baptist Church” (as reported in the media). On Thursday, the UNC demanded that the Assam Rifles vacate the church compound in the interest of the people.   CNPO indefinite bandh along Pallel-Chandel/Moreh roads The Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO) announced on Thursday that it would impose "total bandh" along Pallel-Chandel and Pallel-Moreh roads from December 15 midnight as the Government of Manipur has failed to address its (CNPO) demand. The bandh is for indefinite period.   On December 11, the CNPO in its "presidential meeting" held in connection to the ultimatum served to the State Government for withdrawal of commandos from Chandel district by December 14, had adopted a resolution to impose the indefinite bandh in the event of the failure from the State Government side to address the demand. All shops, business establishments, government offices etc will be closed, the CNPO said. However, medical, PHED, schools and programs already planned before the announcement of the bandh will be exempted from the purview of the bandh. "Therefore, the CNPO appealed to all to extend their fullest cooperation. Further, the CNPO will convene presidential meeting on December 15 at its office premise at 11 am on this issue.