Hungyohong
The economic blockade and non-cooperation movement spearheaded by ANSAM is a befitting reply to the attempt of the O.Ibobi Singh led state government at stripping the Nagas of Manipur of their national identity and frustrates the Nagas’ aspiration of unifying themselves into a single national identity. ANSAM should even declare the 9th July (2005) or any day appropriate as Naga National Integration Day.
Let MUSU, UCM or TIPS claim that the declaration of 18th June as Manipur state integrity day has historical basis. OK. They can claim the inclusion of Meiteis in the OBC category on historical basis. But why did Meiteis fight tooth and nail for all these? The major community in Manipur fought tooth and nail and got its language in the 8th Schedule. The agitation was for Meiteis exclusive interest. Nagas and other tribals did not cause any obstruction or objection to their movement.
Again, they had launched another tooth and nail fight for a status called Other Backward Classes (OBC) by which the little privilege of being scheduled tribe/caste is shared. Nagas and other tribes in the state did not object. And Meiteis got their objectives. Still again, they are now fighting tooth and nail for implementing their so-claimed Meitei script in all the state government media. The state government being communal is paying very keen attention to the Meitei’s exclusive interest.
But where does the government and the so-claimed people of Manipur pay attention to the demand for 6th schedule, which is a constitutional right of the tribals? From 1997, the major community or the so-claimed people of Manipur have been fighting tooth and nail to deprive Nagas of peace with the Naga ceasefire in the state.
Where else are the old good ties and harmonious relationship between Nagas and the major community? In fact each of us has far more Meitei friends than Ao or Angami friends. Friendship and matrimonial ties between Meitei and Naga individuals were there.
They will continue to remain and blossom between individuals and clans till the end of time. But that should not be a factor of consideration in matters of national integration for the Nagas.
Nagas unification movement has historical basis larger than that of Manipur. In every accord with the government of India, Nagas’ integration was prominent. Movement for Naga integration was launched in 1946.
Three Naga politicians got elected on Naga Integration Ticket in the later part of 60s. In the state of Nagaland, various Assembly sessions had resolved integration of Nagas into one political unit. In 1993 (Dec. 1 to 3) the NAGA WEEK at Kohima, Naga people from every nook and corner of Nagas domains took solemn resolution for Naga unification. Nagas today have white-paper on Naga Integration.
Again on 27th May, 2003 last, 11 Naga legislators headed by two Naga MPs had submitted the historic memorandum to the Prime Minister of India endorsing Naga integration. What more do ANSAM and the Naga people at large need know to strike the right cord? Are not these events enough to form historical basis for the ongoing actions.
History as everyone knows is record of actions performed by some people. An act done today is an evidence of history tomorrow. The time is ripe for Nagas to achieve their national aspiration. This press hand out is to refute the remarks of the honorable members of BJP Parliamentary Team as unfounded.
