UKHRUL: The United Naga Council (UNC) has hit back at the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) over its defence of the 2016 district reorganisation and the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, saying both decisions have had “serious consequences” for Manipur.
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In a rejoinder issued on Wednesday, the UNC said it was responding to recent remarks by MPCC leaders to “place the matter in the right perspective.” While stating that it was not interested in political mudslinging, the Council accused the Congress of attempting to justify two policies that it said had fuelled unrest and insecurity in the state.
On the creation of seven new districts in December 2016, the UNC alleged that the then Congress government acted without consulting Naga stakeholders despite earlier assurances and agreements. It said the move triggered widespread unrest, culminating in the 139-day economic blockade after constitutional means had failed.
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The Council said the issue remains unresolved, noting that 13 rounds of tripartite talks involving the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the UNC have been held since 2017. According to the UNC, the last meeting took place on January 30, 2025, and discussions have since stalled after the state was placed under President’s Rule.
The UNC also renewed its criticism of the SoO agreement signed with Kuki militant groups in 2008, describing it as a policy that has “outlived its purpose.” It questioned the placement of SoO camps around Imphal Valley and strategic Naga areas and said the agreement has repeatedly been opposed by indigenous communities.
Calling on the Congress to acknowledge what it described as “political misadventures” during its tenure, the Council urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to resume the pending tripartite talks and abrogate the SoO agreement without further delay. It also appealed to political parties to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace in the state.
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