IMPHAL: Seeking an honourable and logical conclusion to the NSCN (I-M) and Centre peace process, a large number of Nagas on Tuesday took out a rally in four districts of Manipur.
Held under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) — a conglomerate of several Naga civil bodies — the rallies were staged at the headquarters of Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati districts. The protesters also submitted a memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the respective district administrations highlighting the same plea.
This comes at a time when various civil bodies of the state are pressing the Centre to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity and unity while finalising a deal. Holding banners reading “Peace rally for honourable and logical conclusion of India-Naga peace talk”, the protesters, some of whom also held small ‘NSCN (IM) flags’, began the march at around 11 am .
The Nagas said that the peace march was aimed at drawing the attention of the Centre that the Nagas want a logical and honourable political solution to the decades-old Naga problem. The memorandum submitted to the PM reda, “Under your able leadership, the historic Indo-Naga Framework agreement was signed on 3rd August in New Delhi paving the way for a final settlement which we hope will be acceptable and honorable to the Naga people.”
It added, “While assuring our unwavering participation and support to the peace building initiatives in our land, we earnestly entreat you to conclude the Indo-Naga peace process keeping in mind the ‘Unique history and situation of the Nagas’ and based on the true spirit of Framework Agreement signed on 3rd August.” The Nagas are also convinced that a separate Naga national flag and constitution must be recognized by virtue of the unique history and shall form the basis of the final settlement, the memorandum said. “We repose our faith in your visionary leadership and would prayerfully anticipated peace and progress in our land,” the memo added. (TNN)