The story of the Nagas and tribals in Manipur has been one of marginalization, victimization, discrimination and domination under the communal Government of Manipur. The imposed system of governance has led to systematic degradation and obliteration of Naga and tribal history, culture, identity and rights to land and resources.
A negotiated settlement to the decades old Indo-Naga issue based on the unique history and situation of the Naga people will be the logical conclusion of the ongoing peace process. The demand for intervention of the Government of India(GoI) with an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur(GoM), pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue has been registered and a Committee is being formed by the GoI to translate the demand into a political reality.
At this critical juncture the highly condemnable killing of the late Mr. Ngalangzar Malue by unidentified persons has taken place. This incident has been capitalized upon by the GoM, as was done on 6th May, 2010 at Mao Gate, 28th May, 2011 (Neiphiu Rio’s visit to Senapati) and other instances, to sabotage the ongoing peace process and the people’s democratic movement. The use of force to assert itself as a police state in Naga areas is a blatant infraction of our democratic rights perpetrated by the Ibobi Government with utter disrespect for the Naga people.
While the work of Naga reconciliation through the journey of common hope under the banner of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation is gaining momentum, the adversaries will adopt malicious means to sabotage the noble process. We therefore urge the Naga people to be ever vigilant so as to ensure a secure future where we can live with respect, dignity and honour.
Publicity Wing
United Naga Council