New dists in Manipur: Sharp reactions from UNC, DAT

Imphal, Dec. 10: The creation of seven new districts in Manipur has evoked sharp reaction from United Naga Council (UNC) and Democratic Alliance of Tamenglong (DAT), an alliance of Naga People Front and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The UNC which had been calling indefinite economic blockade on National Highways in Manipur since November 1 midnight in protest against the move to form Sadar Hills and Jiribam districts said the creation of seven additional districts is another step of the government’s divide and rule policy. "It is like adding salt to the wound. It is an intentional policy supported by the Government of India," said the publicity wing of UNC in a release. "Nagas will not remain silent spectator and will leave no stone unturned,” it warned. The DAT also strongly opposed the decision of the state government, a report from Tamenglong said. A joint statement signed by Namsinrei Panmei, chairman, ADC Tamenglong and K Liangpibou, spokesperson, ADC Tamenglong, said an emergency meeting of Autonomous District Council Tamenglong was held on Friday and added that the meeting resolved to oppose the decision of the state government to create new districts, according to reports from Tamenglong. Rejecting the allegations while formally announcing the creation of the districts here on Saturday, government spokesman Moirangthem Okendro, who holds Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Institution portfolio in the Congress ministry, on Saturday said the government made the historic decision to create the seven new districts on the intervening night of December 8 and 9 following a marathon cabinet meeting for administrative convenience. “This will help address the public grievances to some extent. Besides, the development activities can be improved,” he added. Minister Okendro also said the functioning of some of the newly created districts have already started and that the move will not affect the electioneering process of the state which is scheduled to go to assembly polls early next year. The newly created districts Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Pherzawl and Noney were carved out of the existing districts of Imphal East, Senapati, Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts respectively. The Imphal West and Bishnupur districts remained unchanged. On the other hand, there were reports of jubilant celebrations in Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Kakching and Pherzawl last night. The Pherzawl District Demand Committee (PDDC), Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) and Block Congress Committee of Phungyar Assembly in their separate messages expressed their unreserved thanks and gratitude to the state government for fulfilling their long cherished dream for creation of new districts. “The wishes of the people of Jiribam have been fulfilled,” said JDDC advisor M Hemanta. The PDDC in a statement said, “Creation of Pherzawl district under the statesmanship of Pu O Ibobi Singh and his Cabinet comrades will go a long way in the history of Manipur.”