Nagas rally to demand ‘Alternative Arrangement’

Newmai News network/The Morung Express


Imphal | October 22 : Normal life in four hill districts of Manipur on Saturday affected due to a three-day total bandh enforced by All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) to air their voice against the failure of Government of India to take up concrete action regarding ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas outside the Government of Manipur.
The bandh which began from last midnight and to be ended on midnight of October 24 paralyzed normal business and vehicular movement. All offices of both Government and non-Government were also remained closed in the districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel. Schools were thinly attended as vehicular movement of any kind including that of frontal organizations have been restricted during the strike.
In the meantime, ANSAM has also imposed an indefinite public curfew on the same demand which will commence with effect from October 25.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) has warned for more intense agitation if the Government of India fails to meet the demand for 'alternative arrangement' for the Nagas outside of Manipur Government on Friday.
In support of the total bandh imposed by ANSAM, the Zelingrong Baudi ( Assam Manipur Nagaland) Joint Secretary, Chamrei Kamei, who was speaking at a press conference today at Noney Bazaar, Tamenglond district, said since the Governments of Manipur and Centre have not considered the demand for alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur during the tripartite talks held among the three parties, the bandh has been called to protest against the negative attitude of the state Government.
P Athui, who was also present at the press conference said, “We Nagas want to live under a single administrative unit as the Naga tribe is unique in nature and its history is also unique. So, the demand of the Nagas itself is unique too.”
Showing solidarity to the strike enforced by ANSAM, Inpui Students’ Union President James Inka said Zeliangrong Students’ Union ( ZSU), Zelingrong Baudi ( Assam, Manpur, Nagaland, Naga Women’s Union, Longmai Area, ZSU Longmai Area, Longmai Authority Council and ZSUM support it.
Placards set up on walls expressing “Tripartite talks must be honoured”, “We condemn Ibobi’s communal Government”, “We want peace solution”, “We want alternative arrangement for tribal people”, “We want alternative arrangement outside Manipur” were seen across the four hill districts.
It is worth noting that last year following the request from Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, the United Naga Council (UNC) had agreed to engage in a tripartite talk among the Centre, the state Government and UNC.
The talks had held three rounds so far, however, the dialogue process has not been able to bring an amicable solution to end the impasse following which UNC on September 29 last served an ultimatum to the Centre to initiate the process for intervention with an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur within 20 days.