'Let's part ways peacefully' ; Meiteis and Nagas cannot five together: UNC
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

New Delhi, March 02 2014 : The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated the call for a peaceful parting of ways between the Nagas and the Meiteis in Manipur saying both the communities can never live together due to several factors.

The UNC said this today in New Delhi even as its leaders continue to hold a series of meetings with the Central leaders vis-a-vis the top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the issue of 'Alternative Arrangement' since the past two weeks.

"We respect the 2000 years history of Kangleipak and the Meiteis but in that history tribals are never part of it," the UNC stated.

Elucidating on the factors that are the hurdles for living together between the Meiteis and the tribals in Manipur, according to the UNC, they are different cultural aspects, different social practices and life-style in general.

"Knowing this aspect, the British when they came to the region had formulated separate administrations for the tribals and the Meiteis," the UNC pointed out.

The Naga body also said in the post-British India, there are several separate provisions too for the tribals in Manipur alone excluding the Meiteis.

"This is an indication enough that the tribals and the Meiteis cannot live together," it stated, adding, "It is better to tread on reality than on illusion," .

The UNC said it is better to live as two good neighbours peacefully.

Meanwhile, reacting to the recent statements of the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and United Committee, Manipur (UCM), the Naga body said the repeated reminders of the 2001 June 18 episode have immensely hurt the Naga people.

"When the Nagas were happy in the extension of peace (NSCN -IM ceasefire) in Manipur the Meiteis had sternly opposed that peace," the UNC said.

"If this was not anti-peace movement than what was?" the UNC questioned.

The mental injury of the Nagas during the tumultous period of June 2001 in Manipur will never be forgotten by the Nagas, the UNC further said.

Comment