ANSAM derides CM's stand
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, July 17 2018:
The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has asked Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh to leave the "matter of fhe Indo-Naga peace talks" to those leaders who are engaging in the talks for years.
The Naga student body said that instead of interfering in the Indo-Naga peace process he should address the basic problems crippling the State.
"It will be unbecoming of him to contradict the efforts for a peaceful settlement by the political party he belongs to," the ANSAM pointed out.
In a statement made available to Newmai News Network this evening here, ANSAM said that "this statement is in response to the Chief Minister of Manipur with regard to the interview that appeared in The Hindustan Times" recently.
According to ANSAM, N Biren Singh is "not the first nor will be the last" Chief Minister or politician who will try to get political mileage out of the aspirations of the Naga people.
The Naga student body also said that the "opposition to the aspirations of the Naga peoples' right to self-determination time and again points out the fundamental difference within the people of Manipur in understanding land, people and identity".
ANSAM placed on record that land, for the Nagas, belong to the people and not the State.
"We derive our identity and culture from the land and not the State.
We honour our land by protecting it and thus, have been doggedly defending it with our lives for generations," the ANSAM expressed.
According to the ANSAM, the Indo-Naga peace process was built on clear understanding of these rights and aspirations and "in pursuit of peace to a bloody conflict" .
The student body added that, after years of negotiations, the Framework Agreement "that seeks to restore some sense of justice through an agreed settlement was signed".
The Naga student body added that, these are ways to end armed conflict and all to support the peace process.
ANSAM asserted that "as a collective who are most affected by armed conflict, we remain committed to peaceful co-existence" .