UNC Appeals to PM Modi to Protect Naga Areas in Manipur, Seeks Justice for Six Slain Civilians
New Delhi/Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex representative body of the Nagas in Manipur, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government to take immediate steps to protect Naga-inhabited areas, ensure justice for six slain Naga civilians, and expedite the Indo-Naga political process.
The appeal was made during a press conference held at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on Saturday. Facilitated by the Delhi Solidarity Group, the briefing marked the first occasion on which Naga elders from Manipur jointly addressed the national media regarding the ongoing crisis in the state.
Presenting a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, the UNC stated that the prevailing situation in Manipur should not be viewed merely as a law-and-order issue. The council alleged that recent attacks involved sophisticated weapons, including drones and rocket launchers, and urged the Centre to invoke Article 355 of the Constitution to safeguard Naga-inhabited areas from external aggression and internal disturbances.
The council also called for an independent, court-monitored investigation into the alleged abduction, killing, and mutilation of six Naga civilians. It demanded that all those responsible be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In its memorandum, the UNC further urged the Union Government to designate the Kuki National Front-President (KNF-P) as a terrorist organisation and sought the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups found to have violated its terms.
On the political front, the council appealed to Prime Minister Modi to honour the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, accelerate the ongoing peace process, restore security along national highways, and refrain from any administrative changes affecting Naga ancestral lands.
The UNC reiterated that all 21 Naga tribes in Manipur remain united under its banner and appealed to the Central Government to respond within the constitutional framework to protect Naga-inhabited territories and ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
The memorandum emphasized that addressing security concerns, delivering justice to victims, and advancing the political dialogue are essential for restoring confidence and stability in the region.
