By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury
Experts say this could mean a Union Territory status for the areas, and the move could have far-reaching implications for state reorganization in the Northeast. The United Naga Council (UNC) wants home minister Chidambaram to intervene.
The Nagas have long complained of discrimination by the Meitei's, who dominate Manipur politics. The situation deteriorated in the last few years under CM Ibobi Singh.
And things turned violent in May after National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) general secretary T. Muivah was not allowed into his village.
The Naga People's Convention (NPC) has now resolved to sever political ties with Imphal and sought the provision of an alternate arrangement facilitated by the Centre.
It had earlier declared elections to the autonomous district councils (ADC) in the hill districts as "null and void". On September 14, a memorandum was submitted to Chidambaram by the UNC.
According to UNC sources, the ADC did not address their demand for dignity and rights. The letter said: "... it had become impossible for the Nagas to protect their right to life, land, values under the communal government of Manipur."
Later, on September 21, to defuse tensions between Imphal and the Naga areas, a meeting was held between the Centre, Manipur government and UNC.
The Centre then assured to look into the demand of holding an inquiry into firing at Manipur's Mao Gate on May 6.
But, the UNC says, communal violence can still flare up. And so, the "peaceful parting of ways" of the Nagas and Meitei's is the only way to avert a catastrophe.
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