Dimapur, Dec. 20: The working group of 6 Naga political groups – GPRN/NSCN, NSCN (R), NNC/FGN (Shingnya/Thinosilie), NNC (Z Royim/V Nagi) NNC/GDRN (Kiumukam/Hetoi) and NNC/NPGN (Temjenyanger/Hozheto) – has called for restoration of communal harmony and trust between the Nagas and the Meiteis in Manipur.
This was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday. While condemning what they said was “the horrific and criminal act of the mob against southern Naga brothers and sisters in the Meitei dominated Imphal valley”, they stated that it was “very important” for the leaders of the two communities to sit across the table and resort to diplomacy.
“A path of violence would not be in the interest of either Nagas or Meiteis. Government of the day must ensure that communal peace and harmony is not hijacked by mobs. The two communities have co-existed for centuries and for the sake of future generations, Nagas and Meiteis must learn to live together as trustworthy friends and neighbours.
“The working group of six Naga Political Groups demands Mr. Ibobi Singh, the chief minister of Manipur to immediately arrest the perpetrators of the many crimes committed against the Nagas in the past few days. We insist that our Naga brothers and sisters should not suffer more at the hands of unruly mobs aided and assisted by the Manipur state government. This is to remind all our neighbours that our blood flows beyond artificial boundaries created by the occupational forces in the past,” the press release read.
It stated that targeting innocent people, burning of church, vehicles and looting passengers “under the endorsing eyes of state forces and administration” was an insult to Nagas in particular and humanity in general.
“Nagas irrespective of political affiliation and boundaries are closely observing the happenings in Imphal valley and elsewhere. It will be unwise for Nagas and Meiteis to resort to violence and destruction to settle their differences. All sides must make an effort to restore communal harmony.”
Therie preaches peace among neighbours
The president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, K Therie has appealed all the parties involved in the Manipur unrest to desist from adopting policies of confrontation. In a press release, he said that living in peace with our neighbours was an art of democracy.
“It is out of my jurisdiction to poke my nose in Manipur. But we are brothers and neighbours and we shall be forever brothers and neighbours. We are pained and hurt by the economic blockade time and again. It implies, ‘let people die out of hunger and thirst’. On the other hand, economic blockade is strangling not just the economy but is strangling our children to death. The action is inhuman and unchristian-like.
“It is also inhuman and demonic to attack peaceful travellers for no fault of theirs. Destroying properties can’t be considered as wise action by any sensible person. We do not agree with actions of both sides,” he said in the statement.
Nagas, Kukis and Meites, he reminded, would remain neighbours forever. “Whatever unfortunate incidents have happened, let us not allow them to happen again. All Nagas or Meites are not bad. Silent majority are good. Nagas, Kukis and Meites have lived together in peace for centuries and may be more than thousand years for some.”
He also stated that it was wrong for the NSF to resort to economic blockade. “Living in peace with our neighbours is an art of democracy and religion doctrine. People suffering for supporting the policy of confrontation are not the victims but they are connivers.
“Silent majority must speak out through vote to give a clear mandate for peaceful living. Peace and solution is within us. Those living together have to find out unanimous solution,” he stated.
