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United Naga Council (UNC) raises its own demand |
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In another significant development, which is also likely to create further problem for New Delhi, the United Naga Council (UNC) has demanded that since the ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) cannot be extended outside Nagaland, the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur must be integrated with Nagaland.
The UNC leadership which reportedly represents the seven lakh Naga population in Manipur, met both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister recently and placed their demand before the Union Government.
Observers view this as an ominous development. The undercurrent of possible large-scale violence over the matter is what made Vajpayee and Advani to hold separate, closed-door meeting with UNC representatives last month.
New Delhi which still has not got over the euphoria generated by its statement announcing “substantial talks” with the NSCN(IM), now finds itself in a difficult situation. Acceding to the demand will mean slicing off over 90 per cent of the state’s area.
The Nagas of Manipur, who make up about 25 per cent of the state’s population, are spread over its four largest districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel. The non-Naga (mainly Meitis) are crammed in the mere 2,200 sq. km. of area of Imphal and the other district. K.S. Paul Leo, president of the UNC who led its representatives to New Delhi, said they were hoping for the best, but there is no mistaking the warning in his words as he said: “We cannot rule out violence in Manipur in the event of the Central Government not accepting out request. There certainly will be agitations.”
Haunted by the spectre of violence that broke out in Manipur a few months ago in protest against the extension of the ceasefire to places outside Nagaland, New Delhi’s extreme uneasiness over the recent development is understandable. But aware of the serious consequences that might follow if the Government shoved aside the new demand, neither Vajpayee, nor Home Minister Advani has shut the door on the UNC. They have promised to “seriously consider” their demand.
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