Morung Express News
September 2
KOHIMA: Taken aback by the sharp reaction of the Imphal based United Council Manipur (UCM), which had issued a stern call for action to be taken against the Outer Manipur MP and Naga MLAs from Manipur for attending the August 31 Naga Integration Rally, the Naga Hoho has instead advised the UCM ‘not to go beyond the precipice, but rather consolidate themselves, take their community into confidence and help strengthen the neighborly relationships.’
Maintaining that Nagas had always lived together emotionally and physically and were only trying to remove the artificial and geo-political boundaries, the Naga Hoho viewed the latest outburst of the UCM terming it as “one of the coffin nails to the Naga-Meitei bond of friendship” and cautioned that the wound would deepen if it was not corrected soon. “When even non-Nagas were participating in the Integration Rally, why should Nagas not participate, and least of all our leaders”, stated a press communiqué issued by Neingulo Krome, General Secretary, Naga Hoho.
Describing the outburst of the UCM as unrelenting and obnoxious coupled with deliberate action of contempt against Nagas by the Imphal valley organizations and other elements, the Naga Hoho pointed out that it had never responded with ill feelings or in a way of being intimidated. “Rather, we have always extended our hands of friendship, which were made to “grope in the dark”; although we always appreciated the difficulties they have and patiently continue to look forward to positive reciprocation. But these efforts are seemingly read from very negative perspectives, which now threaten to even disturb the prevailing good-will and neighborly relationship”, Krome stated.
“The Naga Hoho will pursue the manifestation of the Naga people in whatever way possible and imperative”, Krome stated while also expressing gratitude to all those who made the Integration Rally a “dream come true” and to the thousands that thronged the Capital City Kohima from every nook and corner of Naga areas in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and even Burma (Myanmar).
