UNC delegation meets Governor, reiterates stand on FMR and border fencing

A ten-member delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) on Friday met Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, to press for the abrogation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to oppose the construction of border fencing in what it termed as “Naga homeland.” The delegation was led by UNC President Ng. Lorho.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ng. Lorho said the Governor assured the team that he would facilitate talks with the Government of India shortly. However, he reiterated that the UNC, as resolved in its council meeting, will continue with its agitation plan irrespective of whether a formal invitation for dialogue is extended or not.
The meeting came in the backdrop of the expiry of the 20-day ultimatum served by the UNC to both the Centre and the State government regarding what it described as the “unilateral abrogation” of the Free Movement Regime and the ongoing border fencing works. Following the ultimatum, the UNC had issued a call to action for all Naga people.
On August 11, during an emergency presidential council meeting, the UNC declared that it had been left with no option but to intensify its movement against what it views as attempts by the government to implement border fencing and scrap the Free Movement Regime. As announced earlier, the organisation has resolved to launch its agitation strategy within 15 days if its concerns remain unaddressed.
Ng. Lorho also informed that the Governor assured the delegation that another round of talks involving the Government of India and the UNC would be arranged within two to three days. Today’s discussions were attended by Home Commissioner N. Ashok Singh, along with representatives from the Naga Women’s Union and the All Naga Students’ Association, who were part of the UNC team.