Longkumer delivers 11th Arambam Samarendra memorial lecture
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2016 : Founding editor of The Morung Express, Along Longkumer while delivering the 11th Arambam Samarendra Memorial Lecture, 2016 in Imphal on the theme "Framework for a shared future: A way forward on democracy, integration� peace" has stressed on the need to move to a higher level of understanding�openly discuss ideas and look for innovation, breakthroughs, novelty in addressing the difficulties.

"If we can do this�a way out can be found", he said.

The annual lecture is organised by Arambam Samarendra Trust to commemorate the death anniversary of Samarendra, a leading playwright and social visionary of contemporary Manipur.

Several intellectuals, scholars and leaders from civil societies were present at the event which was also widely observed at different places organised by local clubs and other organisations.

Today's main event was held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.

Along Longkumer spoke at length on the idea of 'a way forward' on several pertinent issues that "confront us today in our immediate neighbourhood" and the larger North East region.

He said that the Government of India's acknowledgment of the unique history and situation of the Nagas is an affirmation of Naga integration.

He also said that the land that "belongs to the Naga people will belong to them wherever they are and under whatever administrative set up they may come under" and added "this is the reality.

That Nagas of Manipur have been living in Manipur for ages in peaceful co-existence with the other communities, including the Meiteis, this is also a reality we should not forget easily." .

He then explained that the demand for 'Greater Nagalim' or integration of Naga areas has been a subject of huge public interest as also the subject of intense media and public scrutiny, adding this topic is bound to generate renewed interest given the recent 'Framework Agreement' that was signed by the Government of India's Interlocutor RN Ravi and Th Muivah, the chief negotiator of NSCN (IM) .

"Right from the time of the Naga National Council (NNC) to the present peace process with the NSCN (IM), Naga integration has been the aspiration of the people.

Even the 16-Point Agreement, on the basis of which Nagaland State was formed, has a clause called 'Consolidation of Contiguous Naga Areas'� where the then Naga leaders who were signatories to the agreement�expressed the view that "other Naga inhabiting contiguous areas should be enabled to join the new State (Nagaland).

You will understand therefore that there is a basis to the present claims and the position taken by the Naga people on this issue," Longkumer stated.

He then said, "It's quite clear that the Nagas' case for unification of its contiguous lands for now will have to come through a similar innovation of a cross-border arrangement".

"The question now is if Nagas are willing to bargain for such an eventuality, will the people in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh also come half way to support a move to create a non-territorial model ?" he asked.

Echoing the non-territorial approach of BG Verghese, Longkumer said this is a way forward�on how a 'non-territorial'or even say 'cross-border regional' model can be worked out that best suits the present reality of the Nagas, their neighbours and the working of Indian federalism.

"Can we, therefore, look at a 'middle-path' solution in the context of the Naga peace process ? That is a question I put before you.

Is it possible that without disturbing existing State boundaries, a federal solution through a non-territorial approach can be worked out for the Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India and those Eastern Nagas in Burma ?, " he asked.

Commenting on the law and order situation in Manipur, Along Longkumer said power, politics and aspirations all change with time and it is not an exception to this State and the people who live here, adding that the fundamental thing that should not change is fraternity and to live in peaceful co-existence applicable to the Meiteis, the Kukis and the Nagas.

He said, "We need to restore that relationship to live in peace and amity but perhaps in a new political arrangement" .

However, Along Longkumer said any discussion on the North East will be incomplete if the Look East Policy of the Government of India is not mentioned,, adding, "Despite the criticisms that may be there I believe that by and large, this policy has the potential to bring both economic benefits and greater integration to the region" .

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