Senapati, July 31: The United Naga Council (UNC) has issued a strong directive barring members of the Naga community from participating in an upcoming programme scheduled to commemorate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The event, reportedly being hosted by the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM) on August 9, 2025, at City Convention, Palace Compound, Imphal, has been termed objectionable by the UNC, which described the organiser as an unmandated organisation.
In a notice issued on July 30, the UNC warned all Naga individuals and tribe Hohos against attending the programme. The UNC stated that the question of common indigeneity is being in question and reiterated its previous stance that participating in events hosted by unmandated bodies equates to a wilful confrontation to the aspiration of the Nagas.
While expressing solidarity with indigenous communities worldwide, the UNC urged all members of the Naga community both old and young to abstain from the Imphal event and to prioritise safeguarding the rights and interests of the Naga people.
Significantly, the notice cautioned that any tribe or individual found participating in the scheduled programme should not take the name of one’s tribe and speak on behalf of the Nagas.
