Imphal, Nov. 25: United Naga Council (UNC) President Gaidon Kamei (52) S/o (L) Landou Kamei of Noney Part 1 presently staying at Namdulong was picked up by Imphal West commando from Pheidinga . He was at the residence of Thomas Liangmei S/o Chairman Leimakhong Khunkhu Village since the last 2/3 days. Sankhui Stephen (36) S/o (L) Sankhui Thamnok of Komsen Village , Chandel who was driving the Bolero in which the duo were travelling was also detained. He is currently the Information Secy. of UNC.
Unconfirmed report said that following the arrest of the UNC leaders total shut down has been called with immediate effect in all Naga inhabited area by the UNC.
It may be recalled that since UNC declared total shutdown of Naga inhabited areas of the state for 48 hours on 28 October followed immediately by indefinite economic blockade since 1st Nov, the state has been reeling under the shortages of essential commodities compounded by the demonetization move of the Modi Government, and the situation is getting increasingly serious with many wholesale shops shutting down since the past few days. Few trucks bringing essential commodities to the state have also been vandalized and burnt to cinders by supporters of the ongoing blockade. Counter-blockades were even initiated by a few enraged groups in the valley but was talked out of such impulsive steps by various valley based CSOs.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed report states that a senior minister of the state is batting for the release of the detained UNC officials with the Ibobi-led state government.
On the other hand, at a press meet held at Dewlahland against the arrest of the two UNC officials, President of Naga Student’s body ANSAM reiterated the demand for the immediate release of the two arrested persons and questioned the commitment given by the state government to the Naga body on the issue of consultation of stakeholders regarding the formation of Sadar Hills as a full-fledged district. Acknowledging the continued suffering of the people in the state due to the indefinite economic blockade called by the UNC, the spokesperson puts the blame for the current imbroglio squarely on the state government. He also warns of intensified actions against anyone whether majority or minority if the demands of the group is not entertained.
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