DIMAPUR, MAY 30 (MExN): The Manipur Assembly has come under attack for condemning the entry of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to Senapati District on May 25 last, while on his way to Khezhakeno Village under Phek District. Taking strong exception to the barrage made against Rio by the Manipur Assembly yesterday, the South Nagas Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) headquartered at Kohima today said Rio “has every right to travel or visit any Naga Territory without any hindrance.” “Mao Gate and Tadubi belong to Nagas and the Naga people have the sole right to receive him or welcome him as he is our leader,” a release said.
Repeating the slogan that Nagas in Manipur are “living in their own land,” CD Pao, General Secretary of the SNUNS, argued, “The Nagas have not entered into any agreement with Manipur Government for staying together.” Taking a dig at Naga legislators in the O Ibobi Singh government, the statement said, “It is high time for elected Naga MLAs to raise their voice in the interest of Naga people before it is too late.” Certain media reports across the region had yesterday said the Naga politicians kept mum when Rio’s entry into Senapati was being condemned.
Expressing deep gratitude to Rio who was “kind enough to stop by and greet his people,” the Naga body said, “We will warmly welcome Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to visit the Nagas’ land in Manipur state anytime again in the days to come.”
Maintaining that Nagas “should travel and visit their own land and interact with each other more frequently,” the SNUNS proclaimed, “No person/outsiders under heaven can stop the Nagas from living together as one people.”
