Nagas renew pledge to pursue goal
Source: The Sangai Express

Mao, May 06 2011: Thousands of Nagas gathered here today to mark the first death anniversary of Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshou who were killed in police firing this day a year ago during a rally organised by Mao Women Welfare Association to protest against the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Government's decision to prevent NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his birth place in Ukhrul district.

Paying befitting tribute to the souls of the two 'martyrs,' leaders of Naga civil bodies and the huge gathering adopted a three-point incorporated 'Mao-Gate Declaration' under the aegis of United Naga Council.

Reaffirming the 3rd Naga People's Convention declaration at Senapati on July 1 last year, the huge gathering pledged that Nagas will continue to severe all political ties with the State Government.

"Pending a final Naga solution, we will pursue alternative arrangement till it is fulfilled by the Government of India outside the Government of Manipur to the Naga people, represented by the UNC," it declared.

Leaders of Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation, Naga Mothers' Association, Naga Women's Union, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights and All Naga Students' Association Manipur categorically called the Nagas to move towards a new height so that they can live as 'one people one nation' .

A memorial service held to commemorate first anniversary of the Mao Gate firing incident

Speaking at the occasion, UNC president Samson Remai said 'Till today, our right to live as equals with other peoples of the world are yet to be realised" .

"To free ourselves, Nagas have severed all political ties with the State Government and have urged the Centre to intervene for an alternative arrangement outside the existing State.

Tripartite talks had also been held on December 3 at Senapati headquarters," the president said.

Cautioning the crowd that justice is out of questions and it will only remain as a dream till aternative arrangement is made by the Centre, Samson said UNC has written a letter to MHA secretary to fix the next round of talks before May 15 this year.

Calling for setting their differences aside and work for the cause of the people, he said, "At this crucial juncture, the Nagas cannot afford to remain indolent or divided" .

"Let us remember the age old adage United we stand, divided we fall.

The journey for an alternative arrangement is on and therefore, we must move forward till we achieve our goal," he urged.

Unveiling the epitaph of two 'martyrs' at the Martyrs Park, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo, said the sacrifice made by the two has added a new chapter to the Naga history giving a new strength to the Nagas to move forward for their cause.

Traditional gun salute was paid by ANSAM as a sign of honour to the two departed souls while laying of wreaths to the memorial.

Including Guru Rewben Mashangva various Naga artistes presented their numbers whose lyrics are mostly attached to the Naga issues.

It may be recalled that Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshou, both twenty years, were gunned down and many protesters were injured by the action of the State security forces who tried to thwart the rally on May 6 last year at Mao Gate.