Nagas pay homage to 'martyrs' of May 6, 2010
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 06 2015 : Many Nagas who gathered today at the 5th anniversary of the martyrdom of Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshuo at Martyrs' Park, Mao Gate reaffirmed their commitment for an immediate Alternative Arrangement pending settlement of Indo-Naga issue outside the Govt of Manipur.

The 5th anniversary of the martyrdom of Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshuo, who were killed in police firing on May 6, 2010 during a rally to protest the State Govt's decision to prevent NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah's visit to his birth place in Ukhrul, was organised jointly by ANSAM and Mao Students' Union (MSU) under the aegis of UNC.

The gatherings reaffirmed to pursue the 3rd Naga People's Convention declaration of July 1, 2010 (of severing all political ties with the State Govt) in letter and spirit.

The programme was attended amongst others by leaders of various Naga bodies like the UNC, NSF, ANSAM, NPO, TNL, ZB, Naga Hoho, TKS, NPMHR, NWU, TSL, Mao Council, MNU, PNU, CNPO, Churches, VAs and leaders of GPRN/NSCN.

UNC president laying a wreath at the memorial stone

Floral tributes was paid to the epitaph of the two 'martyrs.' One-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the two departed souls.

Addressing the gatherings, UNC president Gaidon Kamei said that today is the most significant day for the Nagas.

The two departed students have given more vigour and strength to the people and inspired them.

Although the Govt of India approved the visit of Th Muivah to his birth place, the 'communal' Govt of O Ibobi opposed the visit by deploying thousands of security forces.

Those security forces had killed the two students and injured scores, Gaidon Kamei said.

The Nagas have been waiting for a solution to the problem for 17 years, he said.

He alleged that the 'communal' Govt of Manipur has kept the Nagas�who have their own history, identity, land and culture�under subjugation and oppression.

The UNC will never accept the ADC election, Gaidon said while urging all concerned to take a collective stand to confront any attempt to sabotage the ongoing peace process.

He also said that the alleged inordinate delay in bringing a final solution to the Naga problem by the Centre shows its lack of political will and commitment.

"We are not against any community.

We are not launching any movement against any religion, State or country.

As such, India Govt should settle the problem of the Nagas at the earliest," Gaidon said.

India Govt should know that suppression through military might is not the solution to the problem, he said while adding that delaying the process would only complicate the issue.

The Nagas will not remain silent in case the issue is delayed any further, he said.

Pointing out that PM Narendra Modi had assured to settle the Naga issue in a time-bound manner, Gaidon said the Nagas are eagerly waiting for the assurance to be translated into action.

UNC vice-president TS Warngam read out the reaffirmation of the gatherings.

"The 6th May, 2010 horror at Mao Gate rings out the unmistakable facts that call for severance of ties with the Govt of Manipur.

We are not safe, our land is not safe, our culture and traditional practice is not safe, our democratic aspiration as a people is not safe, our dignity and honour is not safe, our future is not safe.

And all that matters to the human person and to our people are not safe in the hands of the communal Govt of Manipur," the reaffirmation read.

The gatherings also pledged that they will hold steadfast to the conviction and commitment demonstrated by Late Loshou and Chakho.