DIMAPUR, June 4 (MExN): the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, “for standing up boldly for the Naga cause”.
The ANSAM, in a press communiqué issued by its Information and Publicity Secretary Sounii Khapa has condemned the accusations hurled against Neiphiu Rio and has termed it as “all false and ridiculous accusations flung against the Nagaland Chief Minister on the Tadubi visit issue, particularly by the Manipur Legislative Assembly”. In this regard ANSAM stated ‘there are a few things that every truth loving person must know’ and further pointed out that the DGP of Nagaland and SP Kohima had sent WT MSG No.PHQ/CON-II/VVIP/2006/1180 dated 24/05/2006 and WT MSG No. DEF/KMA/(1) 3A/2005-06/1131 dated 24/05/2006 to the DGP of Manipur and the SP of Senapati respectively which proves that ‘the Nagaland Chief Minister’s (C. M’s) office had fulfilled the legal prerequisites for the CM’s visit’.
The ANSAM further stated that whatever the Manipur Government may say, the fact that it (Manipur government) didn’t even bother to take the intimation seriously shows that they didn’t care at all for the Nagaland Chief Minister’s safety.
“ The contradictory statements of the Chief Minister of Manipur, first calling the visit ‘Clandestine’ and then again saying that he has no objection to the Nagaland Chief Minister’s visit, betrays his lack of sincerity and integrity” argued the students body.
ANSAM has also brushed aside the claim made by Ibobi that there is insurgency in the Naga hill districts of Manipur. On the other hand it is Imphal and the adjoining valley areas that are infested with insurgency, stated the ANSAM. “We would advise the Chief Minister of Manipur and the concerned organizations not to equate their insurgency problems with the Naga Political Movement. Instead it will be wise on their part to learn and follow the Naga ways”, asserted the Naga students’ body.
“We would also advise the concerned social organizations (no matter which Anti-Naga politician’s patronage they thrive on) to ascertain facts before falsely accusing others, thereby making fools of themselves. Whatever the case, there is no denying the fact that Naga integration is taking place,” stated the ANSAM in a statement.
The ANSAM has also urged the Government of Manipur not to make any attempts to derail “the hard-earned Indo-Naga peace talks and the Naga integration process, thereby forcing the student body to resort to drastic course of action in future”.
Meanwhile, the Tadubi Village Council (TVC) in a release issued by its Headman, N.Hesho expressed strong displeasure over the resolution passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly condemning the Nagaland Chief Minister for crossing Mao area and meeting the Naga brethren at Mao-Gate, Tadubi and Shajouba en-route to Khezakheno. “How easily the lawmakers of Manipur State could pass a resolution using the Legislative Assembly platform to condemn the Chief Minister of Nagaland State. If the Manipur Legislative Assembly were to condemn the visit of Nagaland Chief Minister crossing Mao area en-route to Khezakheno (Nagaland) on 25th May, 2006, then at the first place, why did it deputed the Manipur Police on VVIP duty at Mao-Gate, Tadubi and Tobufii ?” questioned TVC.
The council has condemned the manner and place in which the elected representatives of Manipur hurled false, fabricated and wrong allegation against Nagaland Chief Minister for responding to warm public reception by terming it as, “unbecoming and unheard of in history” and further added, “It has also lowered the image and prestige of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.”
The Tadubi Village Council has thanked God for giving the Naga people a wise, discerning and visionary Chief Minister at this crucial juncture of the Indo-Naga peace process. “Neiphiu Rio is a Statesman and a great Naga leader” stated the village council while expressing their gratitude and happiness to Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for boldly speaking the truth and for sparing his precious time meeting the Naga brethren. The village council has also welcomed Neiphiu Rio to visit them again any time in the days to come.
