Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 19:
A number of Nagas from the neighbouring state of Nagaland, mostly members of the women wing of the South Naga Union Nagaland, this morning took out a motor rally from Kohima to Senapati district headquarters in Manipur welcoming the Centre�s decision to extend the Centre-NSCN (IM) cease-fire to Naga-inhibited areas of the North East.
The rally was participated by around 500 people belonging to several Naga tribes in Nagaland.
The rallyists, driving in 50 light vehicles and flying white flags, were initially prevented by the Manipur Police at the Mao gate from proceeding towards Manipur as it was not immediately known whether they should be allowed to proceed or not in view of the prevailing tension.
However, they were later allowed to enter Senapati district.
They gathered at the Senapati stadium ground where a large public meeting was held.
Earlier, they were welcomed by the representatives of Naga student organisation at Mao, Tadubi and Maram.
Addressing the meeting which was attended by around 1000 Nagas including village leaders, the United Naga Council president Paul Leo alleged that Naga inhabitants in Imphal valley have fled to the hills after they were �threatened by the majority community against the decision to extend the cease-fire to Manipur� he alleged.
Describing it as unfortunate Paul Leo said the Meitei brothers do not seem to understand the 50 year old struggle of the Nagas.
The large scale opposition of the Meiteis will not bring peace and normalcy in the state, he asserted.
He further said the Indian government has realized the Naga issue and given its commitment for a �proper� dialogue.
As a matter of fact, he said, the Naga people cannot compromise the opportunity given by the decision to extend, the NSCN cease fire to Naga-inhabited areas including Manipur.
It is time for the Nagas to wake up and stand fro their political rights as they have been suppressed for the last 50 years by the Indian government.
He further alleged that Imphal based local dailies are publishing biased reports crating strong sentiments among the various communities which do not favour the Nagas.
After the public meeting, a team of media persons from Imphal were denied attendance in a press conference organized by the women body, though those from Nagaland were allowed to attend it.
On the other hand, several Naga leaders who earlier spoke during the meeting alleged that the Naga settlers in Imphal valley who are taking shelter at relief camps in the hills were threatened to leave the valley by the Meiteis.