Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, June 21:
Three Naga bodies, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur, ANSAM, the Naga Women's Union Manipur, NWUM, and the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, NPMHR, in a joint statement released today, appealed to all to maintain communal harmony in this time of crisis.
The release, signed by S Kho John, ANSAM, Dr Gina Shangkham, NWUM and Aram Pamei, NPMHR, thanked the Meitei brethrens for maintaining harmony at this critical juncture arising out of the ceasefire between the government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN.
The apex Naga organizations also condoled the death of the 13 young lives who were killed on June 18 and extended their grief and sympathy to the bereaved families and injured.
In a separate press release by the United Naga Council, UNC, Manipur, president KS Paul Leo, issued directives "to all the constituent tribal unions to ensure the welfare and safety of the Meitei brethren living in Naga areas by completely refraining from indulging in any kind of activities which can otherwise ignite the highly charged atmosphere prevailing in the state into a human catastrophe." The UNC release further appealed to the AMUCO and AMSU and other bodies particularly the recently formed United Meitei Council and the Meitei brethrens in general to help resolve any kind of misunderstanding between the two communities in a peaceful and democratic manner through dialogue.
The earlier release by the three other Naga bodies, also appealed to the Naga civil population in Imphal to remain calm and composed.
"We also appeal to the Nagas in the Hills to restrain unwanted elements from spreading rumors which may provoke misunderstanding amongst the different communities.
The release also appealed to the Meitei brothers and sisters and their social organizations to help control any anti-social elements from coercing and threatening the Nagas residing in and around Imphal and also to help handle the situation with wisdom and foresight at this critical time.