Ruwngthung Anal Chandel | December 7 Demanding the release of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and UNC information and Publicity secretary SK Stephen who were arrested by Manipur state police commandoes, Chandel Naga civil societies coordination core committee organized a mass rally at Chandel district headquarters today. Before the rally, a public meeting was held at Maha Union Govt Higher Secondary School Ground from where the rally commenced. Speaking at the meeting, UNC Asst General Secretary Gabriel Chinir reminded of the various MoUs signed between the GoM and Naga civil organization in which Jiribam and Sadar Hills district could not be made full-fledged districts without the consent of the Naga people. The Economic bandh was in place as the state government, instead of trying to solve the problem, remained a silent spectator despite a 48-hour shut down called by UNC in all Naga inhabited areas in the wake of the government’s attempt to create the said districts forgetting the MoUs it had signed with the Naga civil societies, Gabriel stated and further alleged that arresting UNC president and information secretary at such juncture and keeping them in the custody is suppression of right of the Naga people. Other speakers who spoke during the meeting demanding the release of the leaders included CNPO President Ws Kanral, CNCSCCC Convener Wng Kohring Victor, NSUC President Sr Joningam, NWUC President Lh Bliss and NG Benithan. A large number of people including women who took part in the rally raised placards written with “Release UNC leaders without any conditions”, “Respect Naga ancestral land” and “Mr Ibobi stop persecuting Naga leaders”, marched towards Chandel Mini Secretariat Complex, where a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India was handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Bobby Waikhom.
