Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 22:
Four MLAs M Thorhii, L Jonathan, Z Mangaibou and K Raina submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister stating that they support the extension of the Government of India�NSCN(IM) ceasefire to Naga inhabited areas.
�The sincere gesture of the present Government to bring about a permanent political solution to the vexed Naga issue is appreciated for its courage and will� the MLAs said in the memorandum, a copy of which was also sent to the Home Minister.
They said that the reaction by the Meities is causing further confusion on the matter and they are making their stand clear as elected representatives of the Nagas of Manipur in order to help the GOI to have a comprehensive perspective.
They also said the decision taken by them is led by their free conscience and not taken under coercion, duress or manipulation.
Stating that here is no need to brief the Prime Minister on the genuineness and urgency of the Naga problem as the Prime Minister is well advised in �our history� and the pressing need to address the Naga political problem, the legislators urged the Prime Minister not to take any hasty decision.
Naga cause is not concern of other communities; they said adding interference will only cause sabotage.
They urged the PM not to renege on the bilateral agreement, otherwise the hard earned mutual trust existing between the GOI and the NSCN(IM) necessary for political dialogue will be eliminated.
In a statement the four MLAs demanded that the ceasefire must be operative wherever the Naga battlefield is found, as every Naga habitation is a potential battlefield because of the wide spread Naga aspiration.
�The gun must fall silent in every corner of Nagalim if the collective Naga decision for peace is to be made� they said.
Terming the objection as absurd the legislators said the ceasefire is nothing more than cessation of violent activity wherever of violent activity is found, to allow dialogue to begin.
�Therefore the coverage of the ceasefire should extend to all Naga inhabited areas so as to allow every Naga to silence the gun and be party to the peace process,� they said.