The United Naga Council (UNC) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding action on the contentious issue of “arbitrary creation” of seven new districts created in Manipur in 2016 and warned of intense agitation if not resolved the issue within 15 days time.
The move follows years of unrest and unresolved grievances stemming from the 2016 administrative changes made by the previous state government.
In the letter to the UHM Amit Shah through the District Commissioner, Senapati district, UNC president Ng Lorho and general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang stated that “there had been social unrest in the state of Manipur in the backdrop of arbitrary creation of seven new districts by bifurcating parent districts on December 8, 2016 during the Congress regime without the informed consent and knowledge of the stakeholders-dishonouring the four memoranda between government of Manipur and the Naga people and the assurance from the government of India in 2011, that no decision would be taken without consulting all sections of the people and all stakeholders, including Naga bodies representing the Nagas.”
This decision, according to the council, violated multiple memoranda and assurances from the Indian government that no changes would be made without thorough stakeholder engagement.
Protests and economic blockades ensued, leading to ten rounds of Tripartite Talks involving the Government of Manipur, the UNC, and the central government. Despite promises, no concrete resolution has been reached.
“In this regard, the United Naga Council has made its stance loud and clear through media outlets, reiterating their rigid position against the arbitrary, undemocratic and divisive declaration of 7 new Districts on 8th December 2016 by the then Government of Manipur,” the UNC said. Hence, any subsequent decision or ruling passed by any institution or authority on the matter stands rejected, it added.
The UNC said that in light of the above, a missive has been sent to the office of the Special Secretary (erstwhile Jt. Secretary), Northeast, MHA, Gol. for resumption of the tripartite talk on January 22, 2024 and a prompt reminder on the 23rd February 2024.
“However, a reply either in affirmation or negation is yet to be responded to the aggrieved party i.e. the United Naga Council”, the UNC said, adding that, in view of this, the United Naga Council in its COUNCIL ASSEMBLY held on 29th May 2024 and the subsequent Presidential Council meeting of the UNC held on August 9, 2024 had unanimously resolved to launch an intense agitation to ensure that seven districts created on 8th December 2016 are rolled back and reinstated to status quo in the spirit of four standing MoUs and assurance of the government of India.