MNYO cautions Kukis against threat to Naga, distortion of history
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 25 2024:
Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) vehemently condemned the recent incidents that have sparked tensions and said that in these critical times, it is absolutely imperative to cultivate unwavering understanding, respect, and unity for the sake of collective well-being.
In a statement, MNYO said that the recent social media controversy involving Ashang Kasar, a Tangkhul Naga, has compelled the organisation to respond and added that the dissemination of a recent threat on social media, attributing actions and asserting that Nagas have no rightful claim to land in Manipur, is not just disturbing but profoundly unsettling, having the potential to sow discord among the communities.
"This constitutes a blatant insult to the Naga community as a whole.
We urge Kuki elders to educate their younger generation on how they settled in this region by paying taxes to Nagas.
The Naga community holds proof and documented evidence supporting the historical presence.
We staunchly advocate for calling a spade a spade, underscoring the critical importance of addressing issues with precision and sensitivity to prevent the perpetuation of misunderstandings and the reinforcement of damaging pre-conceived notions," MNYO said.
Asserting that it would be unwise to continuously aggravate these historical wounds with such statements, the organisation cautioned Kuki people to take heed, as Naga youth will not remain silent against any threats directed at Naga individuals.
Kuki intellectuals must actively combat such threats in their society to avert a repetition of past occurrences, it advised.
Referring to a video posted on a Facebook Page called "Kukiland" in March 2020, titled "Statue of Tangkhul-Naga Depicting Their Slavery Under Kukis", MNYO pointed out the seven-pillar statue at the Heritage site symbolises unity among the various clans of Shirui village, and any misrepresentation by the Kuki community is not just regrettable but unacceptable.
"Cease your habitual actions of distorting history and making false claims to the world, as this only fuels confusion among the young Kuki generation, potentially leading to baseless claims in the future," the statement said.
Such acts are perceived as an attempt to provoke a dormant situation, and the past silence of Naga should not be misconstrued as permanence, it stated, while asking Kuki community to refrain from instigating unnecessary conflicts.
MNYO further called for engaging in a robust and constructive dialogue that not only builds bridges but also dismantles walls, thereby avoiding harm and dispelling unfounded assumptions.