The United Naga Council (UNC) has criticised the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) over its defence of the creation of seven new districts in 2016 and the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, alleging that both decisions have contributed to instability and communal tensions in Manipur.
In a rejoinder issued in response to statements made by Congress spokespersons Dr. Loken and Dr. Ratan Kumar on June 30, the UNC said it was not interested in engaging in political exchanges but was compelled to respond to what it described as attempts to justify policies that had adversely affected the Naga people and the state.
The Council reiterated that the then Congress government created seven new districts on December 8, 2016, by bifurcating existing districts without consulting affected stakeholders or obtaining the consent of the Naga people. According to the UNC, the move violated four memoranda signed between the Government of Manipur and the Naga people, as well as an assurance given by the Government of India in 2011 that no decision affecting the Nagas would be taken without prior consultation.
The UNC said the decision triggered widespread protests and a 139-day economic blockade after constitutional avenues for redress had failed. It alleged that the Congress government failed to address the concerns of the affected indigenous communities, resulting in a widening trust deficit.
The Council claimed that substantive engagement on the issue began only after the BJP-led government assumed office in 2017, when the Union Ministry of Home Affairs facilitated tripartite talks involving the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the UNC. It stated that 13 rounds of discussions have since been held, with the latest taking place on January 30, 2025, during which the state government reportedly assured that a concrete proposal would be presented in the next round of talks.
The UNC maintained that the demand for the rollback of the seven districts remains unresolved and cannot be treated as a closed chapter.
The Council also criticised the Suspension of Operations agreement signed in 2008 between the Government of India and Kuki militant groups, alleging that the arrangement granted legitimacy and safe havens to armed groups without a clear roadmap for a permanent political settlement. Describing the SoO arrangement as a “dormant volcano,” the UNC claimed its consequences are now unfolding across the state. It further questioned the establishment of SoO camps around the Imphal Valley and in the foothills of Naga-inhabited areas, alleging that their locations have significant security implications.
The UNC alleged that the Congress leaders’ defence of the SoO agreement overlooked the concerns of indigenous communities, many of whom have repeatedly demanded the abrogation of the pact. Calling on the Congress party to acknowledge what it described as policy failures, the Council alleged that both the district reorganisation and the SoO agreement disproportionately benefited one community while undermining the interests of indigenous people.
The Council said it has urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to resume the pending tripartite talks and revoke the SoO agreement. It also appealed to all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory political rhetoric and work collectively towards ensuring peace, security and a lasting resolution to the state’s longstanding issues.
