Dimapur, August 1 (MExN): The United Naga Council has informed that it is compelled to resume the “temporarily suspended Economic Blockade” with effect from 6am of 4th August, 2010 for 20 (twenty) days, as the 5 days ultimatum submitted on the 27th July, 2010 to the Prime Minister of India has evoked no response till date. According to a press note from the UNC signed by A. ASHOHRII General Secretary, the Government of India’s intervention had been sought on what it described as the “irredeemably vitiated situation prevailing in the Naga areas in the present State of Manipur within five days of the ultimatum”. The UNC stated that the ultimatum was widely circulated to the media for the benefit for the general information of the public.
“The ultimatum had been served following the declaration of the severance of all political ties with the Government of Manipur the Naga people in the Naga Peoples’ Convention held on the 1st July, 2010 and their decision to seek the intervention of the Government of India for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur State”, stated the UNC. The apex Naga body in Manipur also reminded about the demands it had put forward including the institution of a Judicial enquiry into the 6th May, 2010 incident at Mao Gate, where two students were shot dead and more than a hundred peaceful protestors wounded by the Manipur State Forces.
The UNC has also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the imposed section of 144 CrPC and demilitarization of the Naga areas by removal of the Indian Reserved Battalion and Manipur Police Commandos. Besides it wanted the removal of “Wanted” tag and fixing of rewards imposed on the Naga leaders and also the dissolution of what it claimed was the undemocratically instituted Autonomous District Councils.
As the United Naga Council resumes its agitation with economic blockade, it has appealed to all concerned to extend their cooperation towards what it termed as “this expression of our democratic rights, without which there seems to be no way to attract the attention and response of the Government and the concerned authorities”.
