The contractors in Manipur, especially from the non-tribal areas, are going to have a tough time garnering contract works in ‘Naga areas’ of the state.
In a stern directive, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) has said that no contract works in Naga areas of the state would be allowed to be taken up without its permission. “Zero tolerance” would be exercised or enforced against anyone defying this directive, the NSCN-IM warned.
According to the council, non-tribal Meteis, who live in the plains, corner most of the contracts at the cost of the Nagas.
Nagas have a large presence in four of the five hill districts of the state — Ukhrul, Senapati ,Tamenglong and Chandel — with Ukhrul being completely Naga dominated. The NSCN chief T. Muivah himself hails from Ukhrul.
“No contract works sans recommendation from Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) in Naga areas shall be allowed under any circumstances. Consequences thereafter for violation shall be serious with dimensional effects. Ongoing works in the hill areas, if found without the recommendations of the GPRN, shall face action,” declared the NSCN-IM.
The council even asserted that the Metei insurgent groups are no better than the politicians from the plains when it comes to exploiting the hill tribals. It said the government is serving the “people of the valley only.”