UNC pooh-poohs 'Tribal Peace and Harmony Award'
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, June 15 2016:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has termed the "Tribal Peace and Harmony Award 2014-15" held at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Imphal on June 14 as an act of eye-wash sponsored by Manipur Government in collaboration with some retired tribal bureaucrats.
UNC president Gaidon Kamei who is also convenor of Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OMTF) said that tribal community has nothing to do with the "so called" Tribal Peace and Harmony Award.
Gaidon Kamei termed it as one "paid event" of the Manipur Government to hoodwink the tribal community.
"We should be very cautious of such sly ploy of the Manipur Government," cautioned the UNC leader while adding, "We seriously view the development" .
"Tribal Peace and Harmony Award 2014-15" was conferred on Panti Gonmei from Tamenglong district and Rev S Prim Vaiphei from Imphal.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Ibobi stated, "The award is relevant to the present Manipur society and appealed that all people should work for peace and harmony and make the multi-ethnic State prosperous." Ibobi was the chief guest on the occasion.
The award carries Rs 50,000 and a citation.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam speaking on the occasion said that the State integrity has been threatened by ethno-centric movements witnessed in the State in last couple of years.
He said the idea of separatism has no place in a State like Manipur inhibited by different groups.
"We must get rid of forming separate camps among the Meiteis, the Nagas and the Kukis.
Community actuated by self-interest must be discouraged.
Peace and harmony will naturally overcome the idea of division," the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council has completed its "awareness campaign" on the situation of Manipur today with its last leg in Chandel district, according to Gaidon Kamei.
The UNC team had carried out series of meetings in all the hill district headquarters in the past ten days and discussed on the Manipur situation with tribal leaders and organisations.