UNC flays 'forced' participation in Sadar Hills stir

IMPHAL: The agitating United Naga Council (UNC), while stating that it has received reports that supporters of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDCC) have forced educational institutions, Naga villages and non-Kuki villages in Sadar Hills to participate in their movements against their wish, has asked the individuals to desist from such act.

In pursuit of its decades-old demand to create Sadar Hills district, the SHDDC has been imposing economic blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 since August 1.

The UNC -- a conglomerate of several Naga civil bodies in Manipur -- has also launched a similar agitation on the same routes to denounce the state government's alleged bid to bifurcate Naga- dominated areas by creating new districts.

It has been reported that SHDDC supporters have been forcing educational institutions, Naga villages and non-Kuki villages in Sadar Hills and Saitu subdivisions in Senapati district to participate in rallies, economic blockade and other programme for demanding Sadar Hills district against their wishes and desires, the UNC said in a statement.

"It has therefore become necessary to advise the individuals/organizations concerned to desist from such acts of coercion which has no place in democracy. Such unacceptable acts will only create greater rift on communal lines," the statement added.