Naga Hoho (NH) Saturday took “strong exception” to what it described the “unwarranted ultimatum” issued by United Committee of Manipur (UCM) on the ceasefire extension in all Naga areas.
NH through its communication cell alleged that UCM had been provoking the Nagas from time to time on sensitive issues. The hoho said UCM statement came at a time when the peace-loving people were all eagerly waiting for the final solution to the “vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio at the highest level talks without territorial limits.”
The Naga hoho reminded UCM that Naga people from Manipur state was a party to the cease-fire/Framework Agreement signed between the two entities. It said that the Agreement was for the Nagas who inhabits 80% of the landmass of Manipur. “It will be a tragic travail to sabotage the peace initiative being endorsed and taken up with the support of United Nations’ Agencies, Unrepresented People’s Organization and other Democratic nations,” NH asserted.
According to the Naga Hoho, there was nothing in the Agreement that would suppress the rights, history and territorial boundaries of Meiteis. The hoho said Meiteis should be aware that Nagas were a peace loving people, yearning to resolve the long drawn-out issue and assert their legitimate stand and rights without any bloodshed. “As good neighbors, we will share neighbourly relationship in all generations to come and the Nagas understand that there are many respectable and learned Meitis with whom we enjoy brotherly rapport till-date,” NH added.
NH, however, stated that a few organizations such as UCM “working with vested interests need pretentiously carry the sentiments of the majority residents of Manipur.”
The hoho maintained that “an eye for an eye approach, if equally employed by Nagas” would result in “unmanageable proposition in the history of mankind.”
Alleging that Manipur government was “arbitrarily represented by the Meiteis of Manipur”, NH said the voice of the tribal in hill districts was seldom upheld. “If the Meitei led government bows to the whims and fancies of Meitei CSOs like UCM, the Nagas inhabiting the surrounding areas will be compelled to take up befitting measures in order to protect our rights,” the hoho asserted.
UCM relaxes ultimatum
Imphal Correspondent adds: A five-member delegation of UCM held talks with Manipur government over the 72-hour ultimatum pertaining to the controversy surrounding the extension of ceasefire between NSCN(I-M) and government of India in Manipur.
On May 22, 2019, the UCM had served ultimatum on the Manipur government and Central government to clarify whether the ceasefire was extended to Manipur or not.
With the deadline set by the pressure group due to expire on Saturday, the five-member delegation of the UCM met state revenue minister Karam Shyam at the latter’s office chamber at New Secretariat, Imphal. The meeting was on an invitation from chief minister N Biren Singh, who is currently camping in New Delhi.
After the meeting, UCM delegations told media that they agreed to relax the 72-hour deadline set by them till the chief minister returns from the national capital.
They stated that during the meeting, they made a firm stand that the state government and Central government must clarify on NSCN (IM)’s claim.
While assuring on behalf of the chief minister to take up the needful steps, the minister urged UCM to relax the deadline until chief minister retuned from New Delhi.