NPO dubs PM's statement 'irresponsible'
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, January 20 2013 :
Reacting to the reported comment of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh after the meeting with Manipur political parties at New Delhi on January 17, the Naga People's Organization (NPO) has termed it 'irresponsible' on the part of a responsible Central leader.
The NPO said it is compelled to express that, "the vindictive and communal designs" of Manipur State Government have blinded the wisdom of the Indian leadership, for which the Nagas in Senapati district feel betrayed by such reaction of the Prime Minister.
"On the pretext of addressing the molestation of Momoko, the political parties in Manipur have invested all efforts to sabotage even the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.
"Such indifferent and anti-Naga attitude of the political groups by Ibobi led Government is condemned and unacceptable.
"The Nagas of the district while affirming its stance to support and protect the ongoing peaceful and honorable solution will extend all out resources and collective efforts to usher in permanent peace in the State and the region.
"Fully aware of the final phase of the Indo Naga peace process and upcoming Nagaland Assembly election in February, the unwanted reaction and provocative nature of the Indian Government through its agencies to arrest and issue summons of NSCN leaders is disturbing.
"The NPO is in favour of solution first rather than election," the apex Naga frontal organisation of Senapati district demanded in a statement today.
The NPO added that, the Prime Minister in the past has expressed his determination to resolve the 60years old Naga issue by assuring his willingness to walk extra mile for bringing an end to the peace process, however the latest statement comes as a "shocking to the Nagas.
"We expect unceasing sincerity and commitment of the Indian Government to bring an end to one of the longest and delayed settlement" said the NPO statement.
Hitting out at valley based organizations and political parties, the NPO stated that, opposing every peaceful and democratic move of the Nagas to resolve any issue will only widen the gap between the hills and valley populations.
"Backed by the state Government civil bodies has become the foot soldiers to counter the genuine aspirations of the Nagas and the tribals in Manipur .With media fraternity controlled and influenced under the banner of the State government and valley organizations thus placing a one-sided treatment to the present situation, the voices of the hill districts remained neglected and unheard," the NPO alleged.
"Moreover, the United Naga Council (UNC) alleging the present state government as communal is vivid and visible from the one-sided treatment of the present issue and its approach to the Centre government while addressing the tribal issues of Manipur.
The destructive and repressive agenda of the state government towards the Nagas have become intolerable and beyond limitations.
Therefore, it is best advised that, the Nagas are allowed to resolve its issue by themselves through peaceful means rather than raising possibilities of achieving the solution with violence," the NPO stated.