Rally demands Manipur's unity, Naga group calls for implementing pact with Centre

Two Manipur outfits with diametrically opposite views on Wednesday hit the streets in Imphal, with United Committee Manipur (NCM) demanding preservation of Manipur's unity while United Naga Council (UNC) calling for immediate solution to the long-pending Naga issues.

The NCM took out a big rally in Imphal city demanding protection of integrity and unity of the border state.

On the other hand, normal life was disrupted in the hill districts as a result of the 12-hour shutdown by the UNC which awaits implementation of the framework agreement that the Centre signed with the NSCN(M) in 2015, but its larger contours are not known.

L.M. Khaute, Director General of Police, said the state remained incident-free. Security measures had been tightened in all trouble-prone areas, he said.

Attendance was thin in the government offices. Though educational institutes were open, the students did not turn up, sources said.

Sunil Karam, UCM President, said the rally was not directed against any community. "We have been living in harmony for generations. Nothing should be done to drive a wedge among the communities."

UCM activists said the Centre has assured them that Manipur's territory will not be affected as the framework agreement with the NSCN(M) is finalized.

Official sources said the Wednesday rally could be second largest to the one in June, 2001 when Manipur activists had protested extension of the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN(IM) "without territorial limits."

--IANS

il/prs