The general public has objected to a decision of the United Naga Council (UNC) to ban all undergoing construction works of national projects in Naga inhabitant areas which include Trans Asian Railways, Power Grid, NHPC and the National Highways.
The UNC said that ban will be enforced for ten days from 6 a.m. today.
The ban was called to withdraw police forces who have militarized Ukhrul district in spite of the people's protest through civil actions, with the clear agenda to create situations for disturbing the hard earned peace and sabotaging the ongoing Indo Naga peace process, which the Naga have upheld in their prayers and spirit all throughout the 17 long years of cease-fire and political talks.
It may be recalled that on July 1, 2010 the Nagas in Manipur had declared severance of political ties with the Government of Manipur (GoM) with the claim that it is impossible to protect the land of the Nagas, their right to life, institutions, customary practices and values under the administrative system of communal GoM.
Even the Government of India (GoI) initiated a tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and the United Naga Council (UNC) to address the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the GoM, and pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
It has been agreed that a high power committee would be instituted by the GoI to translate the demand of alternative arrangement into a political reality.
However, the aggressive back door policy of the GoM to usurp the land of the tribes continues intensely through the New Land Use Policy of Manipur (2014), introduction of Village Development Committee, New Land Acquisition Bill and appointment of Revenue Tribunals.
Meanwhile, the DGP Sahid Ahmad has said that additional State security forces would be stationed in all the hill districts of Manipur. Sahid Ahmad said that State security forces would be sent to strategic areas in view of UNC spon- sored 10-day ban on National projects. As an emergency measure, a large number of security personnel have been sent to guard Railway projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to all sections of the society to collectively face all the challenges which come on the way of maintaining integrity of Manipur.
Gaikhangam, who also holds home portfolio, was addressing a press conference held at his office chamber at Old Secertariat this evening.
He said that after the assassination of the former Vice Chairman of Ukhrul ADC, additional security forces have been deployed in Ukhrul town to safeguard life and property of the general public.
He added that the government's move was well appreciated by all sections of people.
However, it is unfortunate that some individuals and organisations are misleading the people through negative propaganda and trying to provoke them by clamping bandhs.
He reiterated that the security forces are being deployed in Ukhrul to restore peace and nab those unlawful elements who harass and take lives of innocent people.
Maintaining that the UNC's move to impose ban on National projects is undesirable, Gaikhangam said that these projects are meant to bring development and people must extend co-operation and support to these projects for its timely completion.
Contending that the imposition of the shutdown and blockade is not a right approach, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it would only breed hardships to the general public.
He also said that the State Government has a clear stand not to remain silent against any anti-social elements in any part of the State while adding that the State Government has been sending day-to -day reports to the Centre regarding the situation of Ukhrul town.
The recent crack down on an NSCN (IM) camp in Ukhrul town is a testimony to the outfit's refusal to accept cease-fire ground rules, Gaikhangam said, and added that the Centre has been apprised of it as well.
