IMPHAL: Amid the commodity crisis triggered by the Kuki-sponsored economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53, the United Naga Council (UNC) has called an indefinite bandh on all highways, including NH 150, in 'Naga areas' from the wee hours of Sunday.
In pursuit of its decades old stir to convert Sadar Hills in Senapati into a full-fledged revenue district, the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has been imposing economic blockade on the two highways since the last 20 days. The SHDDC is also currently calling an indefinite general strike in Sadar Hills, predominantly inhabited by the Kukis.
The UNC, a conglomerate of several Naga bodies of Manipur, said the bandh has been called to highlight the Nagas' resentment against the state government's attempt to bifurcate Naga areas to create new districts. A statement issued by the UNC's publicity wing on Saturday evening said the UNC will not accept bifurcation of Naga areas without their consent.
The announcement came a day after thousands of Nagas under the aegis of UNC rallied at Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong. "The Nagas have been resisting arbitrary encroachment and creation of artificial boundary of their land since the colonial period and hence any attempt on the part of the state government to create new district without consulting the Nagas will be strongly opposed," the UNC said.
The Nagas ave signed four MOUs with the state government. The one signed in 1998 states that "resolution to the conflict on the issue of Sadar Hills will be brought about through a consensus of the peoples concerned in the interest of lasting peace and harmony between the Nagas and the Kukis," it added.
It said handling of the present crisis and 'bias attitude' demonstrated by the state government is viewed as deliberate attempt to pit one community against the other.
On the other hand, over 800 empty trucks left for Silchar along the deplorable NH 53 under heavy security cover on Saturday to bring essential commodities.