Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, December 07 2010:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has urged the Zeliangrong people to prevent the Chief Minister of Manipur, his council of ministers and MLAs from participating in the forthcoming Orange Festival to be held in Tamenglong district headquarters.
"As UNC has total severance of political ties with the government of Manipur with effect from July 1 demanding the intervention of the government of India for an 'Alternative Arrangement' for the Nagas in Manipur, we no longer welcome the 'communal' Manipur Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers and MLAs in Naga areas of Manipur in any programme," declared the United Naga Council today.
The three-day long state level Orange Festival will start from December 10 .
"At the backdrop of this development, the UNC reminds the Zeliangrong people in particular and Nagas in general to uphold the Naga decision and stop unwanted persons from inaugurating and participating in the said festival because it will amount to re-terrorising the tribals .
However, UNC encourages the spirit of the festival," the Naga body said, adding, "It is apprehended that their coming is bound to disturb the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the hills" .