DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has taken strong exception to the statement released by the so called ‘United Committee of Manipur’ a conglomerate of dominant Meitei local clubs exclusively confine to the Imphal valley, terming that “the Nagas were not living in exclusive ethnic space of their own” addressing to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which appeared in the local media on 28th January 2006.
“NPMHR considers this statement as a desperate attempt by forces inimical to the Naga peace process and considers it a continuing feudal mindset not being able to transcend some truncated realities. It is unfortunate that the UCM choose to expose their design at this very crucial point of the political process, which is a direct and calculated intention of making efforts to sabotage ‘a hard earned process’ for the Naga people”, a press communiqué issued by Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer Convenor, NPMHR and Nepuni Piku Secretary General, NPMHR Secretariat stated here.
NPMHR in no uncertain terms pointed out that ‘it is the people’ and not an ‘imposed territorial entity’ which will determine the future of a people. “NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination”, the communiqué stated.
NPMHR also cautioned “any vested interest trying to spread the inferno of confusion in the attempt to mislead the general public nationally and internationally besides implanting the feeling of hatred and mistrust amongst the common masses”.
The statement pointed out that the “obdurate position propagated by groups like UCM unfortunately does not promote prospect for improving understanding and strengthening neighbourly co-existence between the Nagas and Meities” adding that the Naga Hills currently administered under Manipur state for administrative conveniences sake are resolutely clear on their future.
“It is futile to continue harping on baseless theory of organic evolution of the so called ‘Manipur state’. Despite artificially divided by colonial and neo colonial policies Nagas inhabit side by side contiguously on our own land”, NPMHR underlined.
Stating that the NPMHR was for any constructive process leading to a permanent settlement of the protracted Indo-Naga conflict and restoring Justpeace with dignity, however it pointed out that it would not remain quiet to forces that seek to destroy the peaceful coexistence and people’s aspirations for lasting peace.
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