IMPHAL, Feb 13 MNS: The United Naga Council acknowledged support of the Naga people for the 5th round of tripartite talk held with the Government of India(GoI) and the Government of Manipur (GoM) on Feb 12.
Government was urged to respond to the postulates of the alternative arrangement submitted by the UNC in the 4th round of tripartite talk held on the 31st August, 2012 at Delhi. It was replied by the GoI that in a federal system of government the concerned state has to be consulted. GoM representative maintained that it was not mandated to discuss political issues which can be taken up at the political level and presented details of development programmes and policies of the GoM that was in the pipeline for the development of tribal areas.
It was asserted by UNC that it was not development deficit but the demand of alternative arrangement which will protect our identity, land & resources, traditional institution and customary practices and ensure a life with dignity and honour for our people. It was clearly stated that the worsening social divide on account of the forced union could result anytime into large scale confrontations. It was questioned as to why GoI, as the custodian of the Indian constitution was not intervening in such a serious situation and on the merits of the issue that had been presented by the UNC in all the meetings.
It was submitted by the UNC that the next round of talk should go deeper into the core issue which has been postulated and should be held without inordinate delay. The talk concluded with the GoI requesting for continuation of the dialogue process and assurance that the sentiments expressed by the UNC would be taken back to the political leadership according to a press hand out issued by United Naga Council.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-not-interested-in-development-but-aa/
