DIMAPUR, MARCH 2 (MExN): Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today expressed concern at the press note issued by Manipur MLA Ibomcha Singh, regarding the filing of an FIR against the Nagaland CM, in connection to the CM’s speech during the Lui Ngai Li Festival at Ukhrul, Manipur, on February 14.
A press note issued by the CMO said that the CM had underlined the need for Nagas to be united and that emotional and cultural integration should be evolved amongst Nagas living under various administrative set ups, and once this is achieved, Nagas can help each other for cultural and socio-economic advancement, with or without territorial or political integration.
The CM reminded that the issue of integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella is as old as Nagaland Statehood with the matter being mentioned as one of the points in the 16-point Agreement between, and also affirmed by NLA resolutions in 1964, 1970, 1994, 2003 and 2015.
The Nagaland CM also expressed reservations against his Manipur counterpart for passing the three controversial bills in the Manipur Assembly against the wishes of the tribal populace of the State.
The CM asserted that as a mass leader of the Nagas, “he has to speak for the Naga people irrespective of administrative or geographical considerations. It is but natural for any Chief Minister of Nagaland to speak for Nagas when they are protesting on the streets against grievances, perceived or otherwise, whether it is in Manipur, New Delhi or Myanmar.” It is most natural, the CM stated, for him to be concerned “when many Naga protestors are killed and hundreds injured, properties damaged and their lives threatened, as was the case in Manipur in the latter part of last year.”
He further questioned that if any person is not permitted to speak freely, “it is indeed a sad day for democracy and portends gloom in the days to come for the general public.” “Or is it that we are permitted only to appreciate the Manipur Government for looking after our people, but not allowed to speak up when injustice is being done to our people?” the CM questioned.
Regarding MLA Ibomcha Singh’s FIR under Sections 124A and 154A of the IPC, which deals with attempts to create hatred against the Government, and attempts to bring enmity against various groups of people, the Nagaland CM said: “It may be pointed out here that the very actions of the Government of Manipur in passing the three infamous Bills in the Assembly and the subsequent actions of its law-enforcing agencies in tackling the protestors which led to the death of nine and injuries to scores of people, could very well be brought under the purview of the above-mentioned Sections of the IPC.”
He alleged that the “ruling dispensation of the day” had “segregated, isolated and alienated a section of the citizens and the resultant enmity and hatred brought about will be very difficult to erase.” He stated that political interests of the Government of the day have been given preference over “communal harmony and peaceful coexistence in the State.”
The Nagaland CM appealed that good neighbourly relations are maintained between the two States and that different communities in both States live in peace and harmony.
