Mokokchung, 27 September (MTNews): The United Naga Council (UNC) reiterated its steadfast rejection of the declaration of seven new districts made on 8 December 2016 by the Government of Manipur. This was stated through a press release from the publicity wing of the United Naga Council on Wednesday.
The release mentioned that in the wake of the ethnic conflict that has engulfed the state of Manipur since 3 May 2023 in the midst of violently manifested geographical and demographic contestation between the conflicting parties, it has become critical for the Nagas to bring out to the public domain the unsettled issue of the rejection of the creation of 7 new districts on 8 December 2016 by the then Congress ruled state government of Manipur.
“The Nagas have rejected the declaration of 7 new districts on December 8, 2016 and strongly demonstrated the rejection with mass rally held in Naga district headquarters on December 15, 2016 and the 139 days of economic blockade along the National Highways in the past,” stated the UNC underlining the depth of their objection to the decision.
Subsequently, it also said that the 10 rounds of tripartite talks between the government of Manipur, the United Naga Council and the government of India on the issue of the above creation of new districts was based on the recognition that “there was nonadherence to the 4 (four) Memorandum of Understanding” signed by the government of Manipur with Naga organizations and the assurance of the government of India on the matter.
The United Naga Council also reiterated its firm stance in its memorandum to the Government of India, emphasizing that they would not tolerate any form of territorial disintegration of Naga land or actions that might adversely impact the interests of the Nagas while addressing the demands of other communities.
In its latest statement, the United Naga Council once again reaffirmed its opposition to the arbitrary, undemocratic, unconstitutional, and divisive declaration of seven new districts on 8 December 2016 by the then Government of Manipur. The council emphasized that any subsequent decisions or rulings made by any institution or authority on this matter would face vehement opposition until the declaration is withdrawn.
Furthermore, the council underscored that “rectifying the errors of the past would benefit all stakeholders, fostering confidence and goodwill in the system” while potentially contributing to the resolution of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
It may be noted that the new districts created in December 2016 are: Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Tengoupal, Pharzol, Kakching, Noney and Kamjong.