Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), a prominent body representing the Nagas in Manipur, has announced a seven-year social boycott of Congress MP-elect Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur and two other independent candidates. The boycott stems from their participation in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election from the Outer Manipur constituency.
In a notification issued on 14th June, the UNC stated that the decision was based on a resolution adopted during an emergency assembly held on May 29, 2024, at Town Hall, Panchai, in Chandel district. The resolution targets MP Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur of the Tangkhul tribe, Kho John of the Poumai tribe, and Dr. Allyson Abonmai of the Liangmai tribe for defying the council’s position during the 18th Lok Sabha General Election.
Details of the Boycott
The UNC’s notification reads: “In pursuant to resolution number 1 adopted by the United Naga Council in its ’emergency assembly’… three individuals – Kho John of Poumai tribe, Dr. Allyson Abonmai of Liangmai tribe, and Alfred Kangnam Arthur of Tangkhul tribe, who purposively defied and failed to respect and honour to the position of the United Naga Council in the recently concluded 18th Lok Sabha General Election, 2024 and their willful attempt to challenge the Naga peoples’ position and its spirit of unity are hereby debarred from public platforms, and holding any position or leadership in the Naga society for a period of seven (7) years with immediate effect.”
Enforcement and Impact
The UNC has directed all its constituent units and the broader Naga populace to uphold and enforce this resolution within their respective jurisdictions. This directive aims to maintain the unity and integrity of the Naga society by ensuring that the actions of Arthur, John, and Abonmai do not undermine the council’s authority.
In the Outer Manipur constituency, Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur secured a decisive victory over Kachui Timothy Zimik of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) by 85,418 votes. Independent candidates S. Kho John and Allyson Abonmai finished third and fourth, respectively.
The UNC’s decision to impose a boycott on the elected MP and the other candidates has sparked varied reactions within the community. The action reflects the council’s commitment to its established positions and the spirit of unity among the Nagas. However, it also highlights the tensions between traditional leadership structures and the democratic electoral process.
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