NNN
Imphal, March 11
Insurgent outfit Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) has categorically stated that the recent historic Framework Agreement or Naga peace Accord signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was in the interest of neither the Naga people nor much for realism but rather in the own interest of the latter.
The rebel group said it celebrated its 3rd Raising Day today at the general headquarters and mobile battalions. During the event MNPF chairman Francis led the cadres in paying homage to the outfit’s martyrs who had laid down life in the course of the freedom struggle, according to a statement released by Thomas Numai, assistant publicity secretary, MNPF. The outfit was formed in 2013 after the Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) and United Naga People’s Council (UNPC) merged together with an armed wing - Manipur Naga People’s Army (MNPA).
The Manipur Naga underground group’s primary objective is restoration of sovereignty and right to self-determination.
Francis said the people of the hills and plain have been safeguarding the land together since time immemorial, adding that the festival of Lai Haraoba of the Meitei community is incomplete without the Tangkhul Saba.
He stated that brotherhood of the hills and plain people is clearly seen in Mera Hou Chongba festival and that Tangkhul clothes are used during marriage ceremony of the Meietis which indicates that both the communities have co-existed since time immemorial.
The MNPF leader further recounted the Burmese invasion of Manipur kingdom in 1862 during which the people of the hills and plain fought against the enemy together to drive them away from the land.
Francis also recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters Chirai Thangal, Haipou Jadongnang, Rani Gaidinliu and also the Kuki Rebellion of 1917.
He claimed that the recent peace agreement signed between the Centre and NSCN (IM) was not in the interest of the Naga people but it was solely in the interest of the latter.
