Crisis within NSCN(IM), cadres defect to form UNPC

Imphal, May 20 (UNI) A few cadres of the NSCN(IM) have reportedly defected from their parent militant organisation and formed the United Naga People's Council (UNPC).

President of the newly floated outfit S S Max said the UNPC had been formed to ''maintain peaceful relations between the people of the hill distrcts and valley districts of Manipur.'' The UNPC reportedly became functional from April 30.

''The UNPC is opposed to the disintegration of Manipur,'' the outfit's president said.

The NSCN(IM), comprising about 70 cadres, has been fighting for the formation of a ''Greater Nagaland'' by integrating large areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

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