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Manipur : Ban on Naga unification rallies |
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Manipur, where people are closely monitoring the ongoing peace talks between New Delhi and the Naga militant outfit NSCN(IM), braced for another turmoil during the week under review with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh deciding to ban the Naga ‘unification rallies’ on Thursday last and all outdoor programmes on the fourth anniversary of the June uprising two days later.
The cabinet also resolved to counter the bandh called by the United Naga Council (UNC) in the hill districts from midnight on June 20.
The UNC planned rallies in the four hill districts of Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Ukhrul after the Ibobi government declared a general holiday on the anniversary of the 2001 uprising against Delhi’s decision - revoked later - to extend its ceasefire with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) beyond Nagaland.
What came as a surprise was the government’s decision to also ban the outdoor programme organised by the United Committee, Manipur (UCM), which had spearheaded the June uprising. The function at Kekrupat was to be a major event to reaffirm the state’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity.
The decision to ban the Naga rallies and the public function at Kekrupat was taken after reviewing the situation in the state. Ever since the Nagas announced the rallies and a bandh, Manipur has been tense and the government’s move is to prevent any untoward development. “It is in the interests of all”, said a cabinet minister.
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