The UNC has been protesting against the creation of the 7 new districts, alleging that the new districts would encroach the ancestral land of the Nagas.
The Tripartite talks between the Centre, the Manipur Government, and representatives of the United Naga Council, on the rollback of 7 newly created districts will resume today in New Delhi.
Earlier, AK Mishra, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs on North East, had addressed the President of the United Naga Council, which is the Apex Naga Body in Manipur, to resume talks on October 11, requesting to make it convenient to attend the meeting along with his team.
The central team will be led by AK Mishra. With the non-availability of any update from the state Govt, it is likely that a cabinet minister or an MLA may lead the state team along with the state chief secretary and DGP.
The United Naga Council team consist of its President, Ng. Lorho, General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, UNC Working Committee Convenor, Samson Riamei and Secretary AC Thotso, former President KS Paul Leo, Member of UNC Working Committee, Naga Women’s Union President Priscilla Thiumai and All Naga Students Association Manipur President Luikang Luckson.
It needs to be mentioned that, 10 rounds of tripartite talks were held at Senapati District headquarters over the issue in the past with the last round of talks held on March 9, 2019.
When were the 7 districts created?
Seven new districts were created on December 9, 2016 that brought the total number of districts in Manipur to 16. This was by the then Congress Government.
Which are the 7 new districts?
The districts are Tengnoupal that was created by bifurcating Chandel district, Kamjong was created from Ukhrul, Pherzawl from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi from Senapati and Jiribam was created from Imphal East district. After the creation of the 7 new districts, Naga Tribes in Manipur had been opposing the decision of the Government.
Why the rollback?
The UNC has been protesting against the creation of the 7 new districts, alleging that the new districts would encroach the ancestral land of the Nagas.