Newmai News Network Ukhrul | January 13 The Autonomous District Council (ADC), Ukhrul has called for the Central government to intervene in the Manipur impasse and create the needed situation so that the agitating United Naga Council (UNC) and the Manipur government can hold a dialogue over the issue. urge Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, Chairman of Ukhrul ADC Dr. Yaronsho Ngalung said that the "immediate intervention" of the Central government by convening a tripartite talk is needed to resolve the present imbroglio "as Manipur government and UNC are at loggerhead". To help create the much needed atmosphere to hold dialogues, the ADC Chairman urged the Manipur government to first release the two arrested UNC leaders, insisting that the Naga body would reciprocate by lifting its agitation. Dr. Ngalung also categorically stated the need to keep the dispensation of the recently created seven districts in abeyance until the crisis is resolved amicably. The ADC Chairman sought to lay the blame on the state government for the prevailing situation. "I did not blame the Manipur government without reason. If they (Manipur government) happen to consult the stakeholders by respecting the various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Government of Manipur and the Naga bodies the present crisis may not happen at all. We also respect the rights of State government for creating new districts, likewise, the State government should also respect Article 371 (C) of the Constitution where it clearly states that anything that relates to the interest of the hill people must be referred to the Hill Area Committee (HAC) of Manipur Legislative Assembly. HAC was not consulted and we were also not consulted at all. This is a clear violation of the Constitution," he maintained. The Ukhrul ADC also strongly condemned the alleged third degree torture meted out to the arrested UNC President Gaidon Kamei and Infomation Secretary SK Stephen while in police custody. "It is very unfortunate and unthinkable. They are not criminals but leaders. The Manipur government ought to take note of this," stated the Executive Member (EM) of Ukhrul ADC Isaac Mashangva who also participated at the press conference along with other Executive Members.
