UNC questions Gaikhangam, hits back
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 06 2014 : Reacting strongly against Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam's assertion that the mass rally of August 30 at Ukhrul was taken out at the behest of some elements, the United Naga Council (UNC) has questioned "Who are these 'others' ? Are the people who protest against unfair and unjust imposition by a communal Government criminals" ? .

Asking if the Naga people can be forever suppressed with unwarranted sanctions and use of violence and force, the UNC remarked that Gaikhangam insinuated by throwing in the picture of 'human shields" of innocent women behind whom there were the 'others' .

He feigned ignorance as to who shot dead Mayopam and Ramkhasing and this is in perfect consonance with his statement made on August 23, this year at Manipur University revealing uncertainty and lack of confidence even in his security guards in ensuring his safety, the UNC remarked in a statement.

Ukhrul denizens walk the road near the DC quarters

Gaikhangam's linking of the rally, the UNC and the thousands of Nagas who demonstrated their sentiments to the NSCN is utter disrespect for the people and a diabolic attempt at absolving himself of the culpability of the killings and the brutalisation of that day.

Instead of apologising to the people for the killings and the brutality he chose to add insult to injury, decried the UNC while asking if this kind of arrogant provocation is acceptable within a democracy.

Saying that the 144 CrPC was not revoked during the rally, the UNC asserted that it was he and his Government which had orchestrated the incident knowing fully well what would happen on that day.

The GoM is solely responsible for the crime.

The SMSes received by Mr Gaikhangam, be it imaginary or fictitious, congratulating him over the successful militarisation of Ukhrul has taken precedence over thousands of Nagas, life and in person, who rallied across the land of the Nagas on August, 30 in condemnation of the same.

The voice of the people is supreme in democracy.

The GoI must understand that Nagas do not believe in violence or force.

"Our people's movement is based upon the unmistakable fact that it is impossible to protect our right to life, land, time-honored institutions, customary practices and values under the administration of the dominant and communal GoM and that our history with it, has clearly confirmed the harsh reality that the GoM has never recognized and respected the identity and dignity of the Naga people", it alleged further.

"Until and unless the Nagas and tribals have an alternative arrangement outside the GoM, this strife, this conflict and the potential for catastrophic communal clash will always be there.

The younger generation who are more passionate will not tolerate and suffer without dignity and honour", it said while questioning the Government of India's reluctance to intervene.

The GoI cannot shy away from intervening on the pretext of Constitutional limitations.

The Constitution is supreme.

It guarantees the lives and security of the people.

The communal GoM cannot be allowed to toy with the lives, security and rights of the people, added UNC.

"To restore the faith of the people in democracy, we strongly urge for imposition of President's Rule in the failed State of Manipur.

"If the GoI does not intervene then it allows the perpetuation of suppression and discrimination of the Nagas and tribals in the existing violent structure of the GoM", it said.

Constitutionally, Mr Ibobi, Chief Minister and Mr Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister are obliged to listen to the voice of the people, protect the life of the citizens and safeguard their security.

Instead, the voice of the people have been muffled.

Lives have been taken and the people brutalised by their forces.

Manipur is a State under the Union of India.

The Indo-Naga Cease-Fire was signed by the GoI and the NSCN(IM) as two entities without any precondition.

The Naga people all over have prayerfully upheld the Indo-Naga peace process with respect and great expectation over the last 17 years.

Instead of facilitating the peace process, as is their bounden duty, the communal GoM becomes the spoilsport by militarising Naga areas on the pretext of law and order problem with the sole aim of dishonouring the Indo-Naga Cease-fire and sabotaging the Indo-Naga peace process.

The aspirations of the Naga people based on their identity, history and political movement is denigrated as a pipe-dream and with public statements that there are no Nagas and no land belongs to Nagas in Manipur.

Gaikhangam, who not so long ago championed Naga integration and signed the memorandum demanding for integration of Naga areas submitted to the Prime Minister of India on 27th May, 2005 by 11 MLAs and 2 MPs today is an ardent advocate against the Naga people, it alleged.