Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, June 25:
As the battle for supremacy among the factions of various underground organisations claiming to have 'the people's mandate' is becoming more intense, the Naga society is not lagging behind this current trend with a newly floated armed organization christened as the Naga National Liberation Army (NNLA) ringing out its message to the people.
Talking to this correspondent, the chief of army staff of the outfit informed that NNLA came into being on November 25, 2005 under the binding principle of promoting "peace and harmony" in Manipur.
The chief said the outfit has at present around 180 strong army who are dedicated to the cause and are ready to sacrifice the rest of their life for the sake of protecting the integrity of Manipur Leipak and uphold the age old ties between the hill and the valley brethrens.
Impressing on the ideology of the outfit, the chief of army staff said the hill and the valley people have a common ancestor but the ties between the two brothers have been unfortunately separated due to religious barriers and the doctrines of colonial policy.
He exhorted that now is the right time for the hill and the valley to come together as one people of the Land and set-up a system to rule and govern the Ima Leipak.
By doing so the Ima Leipak will be proud and blessed the present generation.
At long last, 'peace and harmony' would be prevailed again in this beautiful sunny/bright solar planet, the chief of army staff said.
He also expressed regret of the era when religious fanatics set their foot on this beautiful land and led to loss of the distinct identity of the land.
While maintaining that NNLA has no personal enmity nor grudge nor contempt for any faction or group or organization, the chief of army staff categorically stated that 'in order to shoulder the responsibility of our society and save the culture, identity and tradition of the people, his organization would adopt a more practical approach for achieving its goals.