NSF team meets Gaikhangam
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 06, 2013: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) met Manipur Home minister Gaikhangam on June 4 and apprised him certain issues relating to the Nagas of Manipur.

After meeting the Manipur Home minister, NSF president Tongpang Ozukum and its general secretary Easter Rhakho in a statement made available to Newmai News Network said the NSF said, "In connection with the proposal for construction of a five star hotel at Kabo Leikai in Imphal the government of Manipur carried out inhuman actions against the Nagas in the colony by demolishing their houses within 48 hours of the government order to vacate from their colony," and strongly condemned the act of the Manipur government.

"This incident clearly demonstrates the sinister intention and continued attempt on the part of the communal government of Manipur to torture and discriminate the Nagas in Manipur," said the NSF.

"The Federation, as a sign of showing its solidarity, has also visited the Silent Tangkhul Naga village which was attacked by a large number of highly armed people from the neighbouring Meitei Saijang village on May 3.In this regard, NSF entourage team has pressed upon the government of Manipur to deploy adequate security for the safety of the villagers as well as to maintain status quo while respecting boundary demarcation between the villages," the NSF added.

NSF then said it is not against any developmental activity in the "Naga hill districts of Manipur" nor in "Meitei dominated Imphal valley".

However, government of Manipur must keep in mind that such developmental activities should be carried out with due consultation and consent of the indigenous people of the area.

Federation, while meeting the Hon'ble Home Minister, has made a special mention of the projected Chakpi Multipurpose Dam in Chandel and the proposed oil exploration in Kambiron village under Tamenglong district.

Federation reiterated that there should be clear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or an Agreement which has to be acceptable, honourable and beneficial to the people," the NSF stated.

"The Federation, while reminding about memorandum submitted on April 22 to the government of Manipur in regard to the kidnapping of Alice Kamei by RPF (Revolutionary People's Front) also sought to know the step initiated by the government of Manipur for the save release of the juvenile.

The Federation further urged upon the government of Manipur to seriously take up the matter," the NSF stated.

The NSF questions the sincerity of the government of Manipur in failing to safeguard and protect the indigenous inhabitants within the jurisdiction.

While the NSF is still optimistic that the government of Manipur will take serious note of the relevant issues concerning the Nagas in Manipur.

Comment