Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 02:
Reactions to the agreement of government of India-NSCN(IM) cease-fire extension as well as the greater Nagaland concept are obviously mixed among the various tribes that broadly constitute the Naga community.
Some Naga tribes have welcomed the cease-fire extension to Manipur; some vehemently opposed it while some sought an amicable solution to the differences between pro and anti-cease-fire extension groups through consensus and restoration of the status quo of relationships among different communities in the state as well as the North East region.
A general meeting of inhabitants of 72 Zeliangrong villages comprising Pei (Thoubei) youth clubs and women societies of Manipur valley held yesterday at Majorkhul community hall, Imphal reaffirmed the resolutions adopted on August 25, 1997, at Polo Ground, Imphal, pledging to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and to maintain communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among different communities of Manipur.
The meeting, which was held under the initiative of the Zeliangrong United Clubs' Association, Manipur valley, also recalled the age-old fraternal relationship among the various communities of the state.
It also resolved that the villagers will not leave their centuries old respective villages in apprehension or believing unfounded rumors.
The meeting also appealed to the Meitei brothers to exchange confidence between the two communities and not to view the; participation of Zeliangrong people in the agitation for territorial integrity of Manipur as �superficial�.
The meeting also observed two-minute silence in respect of the departed souls who sacrificed their lives for the cause of territorial integrity of Manipur on June 18.On the other hand, the Kabui Samiti Manipur, while acknowledging that unfounded rumors have made some persons apprehensive, appealed to the Kabui residents of the state not to be carried away by rumors and leave their native places stating that it would be great loss for the Kabui community.
The All Colleges Tribal Students' Organization, Manipur, appealed to all communities not to believe or spread any rumor that could incite communal conflict in the sensitive juncture.
An executive meeting of the organization held on June 30 expressed sympathy with the bereaved families of the 14 slain protestors.