No solution in sight to two-month-old Manipur blockade
A solution to the two-month-old crippling Naga indefinite economic blockade of Manipur is nowhere in sight with Manipur Chief Minister…
Tension in troubled Manipur has increased following the creation of seven new districts in the state. Naga people are today seriously disturbed by the government’s decision which is seen as a move against them.
Chief Minister Ibobi Singh on Friday announced the creation of the new districts, which included certain areas of the Nagas and goes against their demand for the protection of their ancestral lands.
“The situation has become extreme. Even layman like me is now aware of how injustice is meted out to our Naga fellows in Manipur by the government of Manipur led by Ibobi Singh,” said a worried Delhi-based Naga student.
Another concerned Naga wrote on a social media platform: “Let us pray for our Naga people in Manipur. We are definitely going through a very crucial moment in our history.”
“This is not going to be pleasant experience… Only God in his mercy must intervene and rescue our people,” he added.
A Naga body, the United Naga Council, has been holding economic blockade against any decision to upgrade Sadar Hills and Jiribam to district level since November 1.
However, the state government, amid the tense situation, declared seven new districts. The new districts are, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Pherjawl (in Churachandpur), Kamjong (in Ukhrul), Noney (in Tamenglong), Jiribam (in Imphal East), Kangpokpi (in erstwhile Senapati).
Amid the tense situation, the Manipur Naga Students Union president, leading a large gathering of the community at Senapati on freezing cold Saturday night, called upon all Naga leaders and the people to come out strongly against the government’s decision.
However, in an effort to prevent violence, he requested the police forces not to indulge in any activity that may provoke the people and lead to violence.
Meanwhile, UNC leaders, including its president Gaidon Kamei were arrested on November 25. The UNC leaders remain arrested despite the people’s demand to the Center and the state government for their immediate release.
Advertisement
