Ukhrul rallies for early settlement of Naga issue
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, June 02 2018: Thousands of Ukhrul denizens took part in a peace rally to press for an early and acceptable settlement of the Indo-Naga peace negotiation.

The rallyists braving the rain began from two different points (TNL ground Wino bazar and Dungrei junction Hungpung) and converged at the main gate of Mini Secretariat office, Ukhrul where a public meeting was held.

During the rally, all shops and other establishments remained shut and vehicular movements were restricted until the public meeting got over.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei in his address said that the Nagas have been longing for lasting peace and are patiently awaiting the final agreement.

However due to lack of political will on the part of the Indian leaders the final agreement has been delayed.

He further stated that there are some forces actively working to sabotage the hard earned peace process to find a permanent solution for the Nagas.

The Government of India has to understand the sentiments of the Naga people and aspirations to be free from any political domination.

He urged the Naga people from across the border to unite in order to safeguard the inherent rights for a strong Naga Nation.

Highlighting the political developments of the Indo-Naga peace process, TNL president Weapon Zimik said the Naga political issue is at a crucial stage and both the Nagas and the Indian need to understand each other.

He also recalled how the peace process has progressed since the inking of the cease fire pact in 1997 .

TSL president Grace Shatsang also addressed the gathering and added that the Naga issue is the longest political issue in the country and stressed on the need to come to a speedy settlement.

The rallyists held placards and banners written with the words "Finalize Indo-Naga political talks based on 3rd Aug' 2015 historic Framework Agreement", "We support Framework Agreement, We want peace & final solution" .

Speaking at the sidelines of the rally, Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (UADC) Chairman Dickson said that he along with his councillors participated in the peace rally to demonstrate that "we are for the people and have to go as per the wishes of the people and to support the aspirations of my people for an early political settlement" .

TNL Secretary Vareinam read out the memorandum jointly signed by the presidents of different organisations (TNL Weapon Zimik, TSL Grace Shatsang, TKS Rangam, TMNL Thanmi and four zonal chairmen of Ukhrul district Dearson Chamroy, Varemi, Mangang and Shomi) before the public gathering urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the Indo-Naga political talk for an early settlement based on the spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 .

The memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister via Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Dr Harmit Singh Pahuja.

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