United Naga Council (UNC) Holds Consultation in Imphal, Warns of Action Over Naga Concerns

Imphal, April 17: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Thursday held a one-day consultation meeting in Imphal to deliberate on the prevailing situation in Naga ancestral areas of the state.

Leaders of the United Naga Council address the media following a consultation meeting on the situation in Naga ancestral areas at the Tangkhul Baptist Church Imphal, Imphal.

The closed-door meeting was held at the Tangkhul Baptist Church Imphal and was attended by thousands of Naga leaders representing civil society organisations, church leaders, intellectuals, student bodies and citizens from Naga-inhabited districts.

During the consultation, participants discussed what they described as the deteriorating situation in Naga areas and emphasised the need for concrete safeguards to protect the community’s rights, land and security.

Addressing the media after the meeting, UNC president Ng Lorho said the discussions reflected a unified voice among the Naga people. He stated that while the Nagas are peace-loving and seek peaceful coexistence with all communities, the community would defend its land and people if its concerns continue to be ignored.

Lorho also raised concern over the lack of safe passage along the National Highway 202, particularly along the stretch between Mahadev (Wungvei) and Litan. He criticised what he termed inadequate security deployment in the area, which serves as a vital lifeline for residents of Ukhrul district and Kamjong district.

He warned that continued inaction by authorities could force the council to consider alternative measures to ensure safe movement for the people.

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The UNC leadership also questioned the government’s response to the recent Tronglaobi blast incident, despite a review meeting reportedly chaired by N. Biren Singh.

Meanwhile, UNC general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang indicated that the council’s earlier neutral stance in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities may no longer be sustainable. He said changing ground realities and perceived threats to Naga rights had compelled the community to reconsider its position.

“We must now defend our land and our people,” Shatsang said.

The consultation concluded with participants reiterating the need to safeguard the interests and security of the Naga people while continuing to pursue peaceful solutions.