NNN
Imphal, February 6
United Committee Manipur (UCM) said the Naga political problem should be confined only to Nagaland.
UCM general secretary YK Dhiren Singh said, “We really appreciate the Centre for understanding the problem of the Naga community but such a policy should be confined to Nagaland only. We hope the Naga community has respect for the people of Manipur.”
The UCM leader said this while addressing a programme christened as ‘A Mass Rally for the “Common Future of Manipur” held here today to promote communal harmony and foster trust between different communities of the state and maintain integrity.
Thousands of people from all walks of life, including students from various educational institutes, representatives from different communities and civil societies, took part in the rally which kicked-off from Thau Ground.
A public meeting was held at Khuman Lampak Sports Main Stadium where the rally culminated. The mass rally for the ‘Common Future of Manipur’ was organised by All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Committee of Civil Societies, Kangleipak (CCSK) and United Committee Manipur (UCM).
UCM general secretary YK Dhiren Singh while delivering the keynote address said integrity of Manipur has remained threatened since the start of the ceasefire agreement between Government of India and NSCN-IM and termed it as a big challenge to the people of Manipur. The two sides signed the ceasefire agreement in 1997.He said a handful of people in their personal interest have been inciting the Government of India telling it that majority group has looked down the smaller communities in Manipur.
“Such blames are unfounded and all communities know it. Peaceful co-existence and stand united in the face of challenges is the need of the hour to fight against these vested interest people,” YK Dhiren said.
He expressed dismay about the repeated resolution taken by the Nagaland assembly on Naga integration which aimed at forming a greater Nagaland. But Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have shown stiff opposition against such a plan, he added.
Reacting to the Naga Peace Accord signed between the government of India and NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015 in New Delhi, the UCM leader insisted that the people of Manipur have the legitimate right to know the details of the Framework Agreement.
Civil societies in Manipur and all political parties have been showing unhappiness with the BJP government at the Centre headed by Narendra Modi over the pact saying it poses a serious threat to the territorial integrity of the state.
The Manipur BJP, however, has assured that territory integrity of the state will not be allowed to affect by the final Naga political settlement.
YK Dhiren urged the Centre not to take any unilateral decision in the process of bringing about a final solution to the Naga problem.
Dhiren further said the dream for integration of the ‘pan-Naga family’ and giving ‘supra state body’ status to Nagas living across the North-eastern region is not possible.
UCM president Johnson Elangbam said the Naga talks reflect on Manipur integrity to derail the over 2000 years old peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups. He said the public rally held today clearly showed the oneness of the hills and valley to the Centre.
“If the government of India makes any wrong political decision with regard to the Naga political issue, it could burn Manipur. The mass rally also indicated that the people will stand united and face any challenges to the age-old Manipur integrity. AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman also delivered a brief speech during the meet.
At the end of the public meet, four resolutions were adopted—integrity of Manipur will not be allowed to violate and there will not be any more policy of divide and rule against communities in Manipur, separation will not take place between different groups and any neighbouring state should not make any attempt to disrupt the Manipur integrity.
