Withdraw FIR against Nagaland CM: UNC

SENAPATI, MARCH 3 (MExN): The United Naga Council (UNC) has termed the “post Lui-Nga-Ni” political developments in Manipur as a “matter of serious concern for the Nagas of the South (Manipur).  

A press note from the UNC cited the harassment of NSF officials who were travelling to Ukhrul for Lui-Ngai-Ni on February 14 and the filing of an FIR by Manipur MLA, L Ibomcha Singh against Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and NSF officials.  

It said that “Naga leaders of the South took serious note over the matter and the Presidential Council of the UNC decided to ban the entry of L. Ibomcha Singh MLA, Keishamthong A/C into Naga areas until and unless he withdraws and apologies unconditionally the FIR that he lodged against TR Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland and NSF officials.”  

It further cautioned that “in case of anything untoward happens upon Naga leaders including Eno. TR. Zeliang and leaders of NSF, MLA of Keishamthong A/C Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and the Government of Manipur will be held responsible for any consequences thereof.”  

The UNC then accused Manipur State Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh of “using state and non state actors to suppress the rights of the tribal people over their political aspirations and lands.”  

The UNC also reaffirmed its previous decisions to ban the entry of Naga MLAs into Naga areas “until they resign from the membership of Manipur Legislative Assembly for their utter failure to defend and protect the rights and interest of the tribal people both inside and outside the house.”  

It said that “suppression and domination is a story of continuing process of the tribals and Nagas of Manipur by the Government of Manipur.”  

To support this statement, the UNC cited various incidents of violence and killing by state security forces against “tribals” in Manipur over the past years, which it stated are “grim reminders” that “there is no hope and future for the tribal in the present state of Manipur.”  

“Peaceful parting will only be the solution so that we can live as good neighbors,” it claimed.