Body rejects Seijang claims
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2013:
Saikul Area Foothills Naga Association has clarified that only its members, and no other NGOs representing sailent village, attended the May 5 joint meeting with the Chief Minister and MLAs consequent to torching of houses in Sailent village by Seijang villagers.
briefing mediapersons at Tangkhul Avenue here today, Association general secretary T Kahung said with the exception of Association members, no other NGOs attended the meeting in which MLAs Victor keishing, Yamthong Haokip and Ksh Biren were also present.
Stating that other than asking the CM to undertake necessary measures for rehabilitation of families affected by the May 3 incident, Association members made no proposal that the CM resolve the dispute, he said while strongly refuting claim by a Seijang village representative that members of the UNC, Naga Hoho and ANSAM were present at the joint meeting.
As members of these organisations did not attend the meeting it is ridiculous for the Seijang village representative to claim that UNC, Naga Hoho or ANSAM had tried to communalise the issue, explained the secretary.
Suggesting that the land dispute be allowed to settle through the court of law rather than resorting to violent means to force a conclusion, Kahung also opined that attacking Silent village by the Seijang villagers testify hostile attitude of the latter.
As neighbours both Silent and Seijang village people should strive to find an amicable solution in a peaceful manner, said the secretary who also pointed out that merely propagating hill-valley ethos but contradicted by action would not serve the purpose.