Dimapur, June 20 (MExN): The Naga International Support Center (NISC) has raised the question that “Should the Government of India allow Manipur to be the main stumbling block in the peace negotiations with the Naga Peoples?”
In a press note, it stated that the Nagas have nothing against the Meiteis. However, in regard to the commotion initiated by ANSAM, the blockade started as a reaction to the negligence of the Naga people of Manipur, because “it is not the Manipur Government who should exploit and dominate over the Nagas”.
“Nagas, who have nothing against the Meiteis, do not claim any land from them but like to be recognized as a nation which peoples were separated through the decisions of foreign and Indian powers,” it added.
It also stated that Nagas were never conquered and that the Meitei dominated Manipuri Government cannot flay the right to self determination of the Nagas.
Moreover, it appreciated the Government of India (GoI) for taking the initiative to summon both officials of Manipur and Nagalim to Delhi for talks on the standoff between the two entities. “The feud must end and only talks can solve the issue brought on by the Meitei people. Though quite late because of the continuous trouble among the Nagas and the Meiteis the adagio ‘better late than never’ is applicable here.”
However, it has asked the GoI to – “..avoid the seduction of letting this stumbling block thrown in by the leaders of Manipur State , interrupt or abandon the peace process with the Nagas, be frank and fair to those involved and to respect the right of the Nagas and act on that right at the earliest”
It also added: “…it is not enough to call out for and early solution when the conflict has been raging for more than 6 decades and that 13 years of ceasefire were not enough to solve the conflict either.
“Let’s be credible, straightforward and respectful of each other’s rights. Let it be known that the GOI is in charge and that it has a ceasefire agreement with the Nagas which incidentally is not limited to Nagaland State only but is between two parties: GOI and NSCN.”
