Twin statues of Suisha and Akaba mooted
Source: The Sangai Express / Courtesy Pandam

New Delhi, December 31 2013 : Though the demand for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur, outside the Government of Manipur, pending a final settlement to the ongoing negotiations between Delhi and the NSCN (IM), has been raised, the NSCN (IM) highly regards and honour people who respect the rights of both the Meiteis and the Nagas.

This was stated by NSCN (IM) general secretary, Th Muivah during an exclusive chat with Chingsubam Wangambi Leimai, president of Meetei National Front at New Delhi on December 18 .

Elaborating, Th Muivah said that the late Suisha Rungsung also known as Unsung Naga Leader and the late Ch Akaba were two men who understood and respected the history and rights of the Meitei and Naga people.

Both were far sighted people with revolutionary ideas, he added.

During the meeting, Wangambi Leimai suggested the installation of twin statues of Shuisha and Akaba at Ukhrul and the valley to demonstrate their common vision and their understanding of the histories and rights of the two communities.

Such a move will also help in bringing better understanding between the peoples, she observed.

Responding to the suggestion of the MNF president, Th Muivah said "We know Akaba and his aspirations.

He respected Naga history and likewise Shuisha too understood the positions of the Meiteis and did not consider them to be a nemesis of the Nagas" .

Both the two late leaders advocated the idea that the Meiteis and the Nagas should understand each other and move forward together.

As such installing twin statues of the two late leaders will go a long way in bringing the people closer, he said and suggested that the twin statues be first installed in the valley.

Muivah candidly admitted that there are members in both the two communities who do not understand things clearly.

Such people should take time to understand the reality and the truth and pave the way for each other to respect the history and rights of each other.

Coming back to the suggestion to instal the twin statues, Muivah said that once it is installed in the valley, it can then be installed at Ukhrul.

"As the event will be historic, we must discuss at length the words that will explain the finer nuances and purpose of installing the twin statues," he said.

Comment