UNC threatens to ban The Sangai Express daily, demands apology
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 07 2014:
Coming out strongly against a report carried by The Sangai Express (TSE) under the caption "Reprisal for poll defeat: UNC resolves to exact fine of Rs 1000" based on a "well placed source" but which was admittedly "not confirmed officially", United Naga Council (UNC) asserted that the 'serious allegation attributed to some fictitious source' has been made to tarnish its image.
UNC also took serious note of the fact that the 'unfounded and baseless allegation' figured as the focus of the morning panel discussion on 7th July, 2014 in the All India Radio Imphal programme.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Wing, UNC said that going against journalistic ethics, The Sangai Express has sensationalized a non- existent issue for reasons and consideration best known to them.
"There are no resolutions whatsoever to impose any fine or any written notices for fines issued against anyone in connection with the recent MP election.
The concocted report is an insult to the Naga people", UNC said, while reiterating that it is the apex tribe based civil organization of the Nagas in Manipur and it does not have any armed cadre nor do advocate use of any forces or violence.
"We work with the moral authority vested in us by the people.
We have no ill-feeling towards any individual or organization and our endeavor is to protect the political rights and interest and to safeguard the collective future of our people.
The narrow and sectarian treachery of any individual or organizations cannot and will not supplant the political aspiration of the Naga people.
The positions and decisions of the Naga people are informed and determined by this principle and by the merits of the issue", the UNC statement said.
UNC also demanded The Sangai Express to immediately tender an unconditional apology for the 'outrageous report' and warned that if the same is not forthcoming, then there will have no option but to file a defamation charge against it and to ban its circulation in all Naga areas.