Indo-Naga dialogue in final stage, says TNL president
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, December 09 2015: Pinning hope and confidence on the Indo-Naga peace dialogue, president of Tangkhul Naga Long Weapon Zimik has asserted that the dialogue process is in the final stage of culminating in an amicable solution.

Endorsing the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) and the GoI, Weapon Zimik said that the two entities should expedite the peace process in the greater interest of the Nagas.

Weapon Zimik said this while observing the 100th day of the protest against the three Bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 this year at TNL ground.

A minute of silence was also observed to pay respect to the nine departed souls, who laid down their lives for the cause of hill people of the State.

WA Shishak addressing the gathering

The day also marked the completion of 36 days of protest staged by the Manipur Tribals' Forum, Delhi (MTFD) along with the nine symbolic coffins at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.

Retired Chief Justice and former Chairman of Manipur Human Rights Commission WA Shishak urged the public to understand the core issue.

He stressed on the importance of all communities to live together but alleged that the State Government may have had an ulterior motive while passing the three Bills as it failed to consult the Hill Areas Committee.

This violates Article 371 (C) of the Constitution.

Shishak further said that Article 371 (C) provides special provision to safeguard and protect the inherent rights of the tribals.

Spokesperson of MTFD Lakpachui Siro said the Centre should intervene and resolve the issue without delay.

He stated the disproportionate representations of the hill and valley people in the State Assembly violates Article 332 of the Constitution and added that this has created a barrier between the hill and valley.

Rectification with equal representation in accordance with demographic population and size is called for, he added.

L Siro also pointed out that the GoI has recognised the unique history of the Nagas.

Weapon Zimik said that Interlocutor to the peace talk RN Ravi positively responded to the invitation to attend the Hornbill Festival and highlighted some of the important outcomes of the meeting held yesterday at Central Hall, Kohima.

According to him, Ravi re-assured them that a final breakthrough to the peace dialogue will culminate on a positive note soon and urged the Naga people to support the ongoing dialogue.

The TNL president further said that shared sovereignty and joint defence are on the card of the Indo-Naga solution.

Committee Against Anti-Tribals Bills ( CAATB), Ukhrul organized the sit in protest against the 'anti-tribal' Bills and the two resolutions passed by the State Assembly under the aegis of Manipur Tribals Forum, Delhi ( MTFD) .