TNL hosts mass prayer for early solution
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, October 13 2019: Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) hosted a special mass prayer programme for an early and honourable solution to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks today.

People gathered at two different points, Viewland Church and Phungyo Church, and a public procession was held which later converged at TNL ground, Wino Bazar, for the mass prayer programme.

During the programme, TNL president Hopingson A Shimray highlighted the condition of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk, which is at crucial stage and added that the flag and Constitution of Nagas are the core issues in the negotiations and which are yet to be resolved.

TNL hosts mass prayer for early solution

The talk is in a critical situation and the Nagas must be united in defending and safeguarding their inherent rights, he said.

The TNL president however expressed doubt on the sincerity of the Indian Government and its attempt to suppress the Nagas' rights.

The rallyists waved Naga flags and held banner displaying the message " Naga flag & Constitution; our rights, our identity; Lord! we pray for thy kingdom come, Our land, Nagalim for Christ, We pray for Naga Unity; We shall overcome in His name" .

In the meantime, special offerings were made by the public to mark support to the Naga movement for self determination.

Later, a recorded voice message of NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah, about the Indo-Naga peace process and his appeal to the Naga people, was widely aired through loudspeakers.

The mass prayer programme was attended by Ukhrul ADC Members, Pastors, social organization leaders, youth leaders, and women leaders.

Meanwhile, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has asserted that Naga constitution and Naga flag should be central to any solution to the protracted dialogue process.

ANSAM held its 2nd Legislative Assembly on October 11, hosted by Thangal Students' Union (TAJ), at the backdrop of the Indo-Naga political negotiation.

A statement issued by the general secretary of ANSAM mentioned that the assembly was attended by representatives of all the Naga tribe student unions from the State and added that apart from other issues, the assembly deliberated on the current development of the political talks between the Government of India (GoI) and NSCN (IM) which has captured great attention due to the differing position regarding separate Naga Constitution and Naga national flag.

Stating that ANSAM stands for a peacefully negotiated political settlement which is mutually acceptable and honourable, it continued that ANSAM represents the voice of the Naga youths and students numbering more than four lakhs currently residing within the State boundary of Manipur.

The fate of the Naga youths is invariably tied to the outcome of the current political negotiation and both the negotiating parties have enormous responsibility in deciding whether the youths inherit a peaceful and promising future or a violent and conflicted one, it claimed.

It conveyed that the position taken by the Naga representatives in the political negotiation is the direct outcome of various public consultative meetings, which were participated by every traditional Naga bodies, CSOs including ANSAM.

ANSAM unanimously resolved to stand for an honourable and just political solution that is inclusive of all the Nagas and their territories, and with recognized Naga constitution and Naga flag, it mentioned while strongly urging all the stakeholders to be mindful of such core and emotional issues with prudence while finalizing the political talks.