UNC iterates anti-ADC polls stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2011: Amid hectic preparations for smooth conduct of election to the ten left out Autonomous District Council (ADC) constituencies in Senapati and Ukhrul districts slated for October 24, the United Naga Council (UNC) has iterated its opposition to the polls.

At present, the UNC is imposing economic blockade on the National Highways to denounce the State Government's alleged bid to bifurcate Naga-dominated areas of the State to create new districts.

The UNC, which is also campaigning for an alternative administrative arrangement for the 'Naga' by severing all ties with the State Government, has already declared the ADC polls 'null and void' .

It said the Naga people cannot accept the ADC 3rd amendment act , 2008 as its present form and content was designed to suppress and deny the rights of the tribals.

Defying the Nagas' multi-pronged stir including the imposition of economic blockade on the National Highways 2 and 37, the Okram Ibobi Singh government conducted the ADC polls in two phases �May 26 and June 2 last year � in Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts under heavy security arrangements.

The ten ADC constituencies � eight in Senapati and two in Ukhrulhowever, remained empty on the poll day as no voters turned up to exercise their franchise rights.

When the State Government went ahead with 'the rejected MDC Election in 2010', the Naga People declared it , null and void and have not allowed them to function in the Naga Areas, the UNC said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"While the Nagas are demanding alternative arrangement from the Centre outside the State Government, the latter has deliberately notified for holding the by-election of the rejected MDC Election in Naga Areas in October 2011 .

This is in total disregard of the sentiments of the Nagas and a direct challenge to the Nagas peoples' decision," the statement said.

It said the Naga tribe Hohos, regional/district presidents, Naga frontal organizations on Saturday resolved to recommit and uphold the declaration of the 'Naga Peoples' Convention' held on July 1 2010 to seek alternative arrangement from the centre.

"It is therefore the bounden duty of all Naga civil bodies and all Nagas, young or old, rich or poor and of whatever position to ensure that the rejected ADC by-election stands rejected, "the statement said.

The statement also informed to all concerned that it would be a serious violation of the NPC declaration to participate in such election.

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