NYF dubs Orange fest a military show

Imphal, Dec 13 : The Naga Youth Front (NYF) that has imposed the 48-hour bandh in Tamenglong district since December 10 midnight, has termed this year's Orange Festival as a 'military show' .

The Naga Youth Front imposed the bandh to boycott the participation of the Chief Minister, Ministers and MLAs in the Orange Festival which ended today.

According to the NYF, the State Government has created a war-like situation in the district headquarters of Tamenglong during this year's Orange Festival.

It alleged that even Church goers were not spared and were frisked by the large number of security personnel stationed at Tamenglong in the last few days.

The NYF said the presence of two IGPs of Manipur viz, V Zathang and N Samananda Singh in the district headquarters along with a large number of security personnel, has created a war-like situation bringing fear psychosis among the local people.

"Is it a tourism festival or a military show?" asked the NYF.

The youth front added that the the security forces personnel in Tamenglong headquarters had outnumbered the public in the last few days.

The NYF also alleged that some village chiefs who were reluctant to attend the festival were threatened by the authority concerned their share of NREGS and other schemes will be cancelled unless they participate in the festival.

Meanwhile, the Naga Youth Front has lauded the public of Tamenglong district for their co-operation in 'upholding the principle of the Nagas' .

The boycott call issued by the United Naga Council was in line with the July 1 declaration by the Naga People's Convention that it would sever all ties with the Government of Manipur and urge the Centre to make alternative arrangements.

The first round of talk was held at Senapati on December 3 .