Naga leaders pool heads to discuss ethnic clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2024: A meeting of Naga representatives has deliberated on the ethnic unrest plaguing Manipur since May 3, 2023 and other issues.

The day long special mega consultative meeting was organised by the Imphal Naga Forum (INF) with Naga Church leaders, ordained Ministers, social activists, bureaucrats, students, research scholars, intellectuals and college Professors at the conference hall of Tangkhul Baptist Church in Imphal yesterday to address and deliberate on the ethnic upheaval in Manipur, said a statement issued by INF.

INF said that they have also submitted a representation to Governor Anusuiya Uikey seeking early restoration of peace in the State.

Representatives from various Churches and Naga tribes attended the gathering of the Nagas in Imphal to assess, analyze and introspect on the ethnic unrest in the State.

The meet was moderated by Professor Dr Chance Raman while convenor of INF Ambition Anth delivered the welcome address.

The INF continued that the meeting was addressed by distinguished Nagas from different walks of life to find a way out for the Nagas from the ethnic unrest which affects every ethnic group in the State.

Dr V Nelson Director of CHSRC, Ukhrul; Dr Benjamin Gangmei, Associate Professor of United College, Chandel; Reverend Simon Raomai, president of All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO), G Gaingam, former United Naga Council (UNC) president; veteran journalist Valleyrose Hungyo and Ningam Siro retired MPS and former SP of Kamjong district enlightened the audience with their talks touching many areas of the present conflict in the State.

The keynote address was delivered by social activist Ashang Kasar while Ungrumso Raman, choir director of MBC and his team delivered a captivating musical talent.

During the meeting, the Naga Christian leaders and intellectuals condemned the desecration and burning down of Churches, it said.

The meet also shared the pain and suffering of MS Merangir, s/o Someng of Kangchup Chiru village, who was killed by armed miscreants on July 15, 2024 .

An interactive session was also held where eminent Naga intellectuals like Jangamlung Panmei and Ashin Panmei shared their thoughts on issues affecting the Nagas in Manipur.

Senior Pastor Reverend Timothy Phaomei, Pastor of Namdulong Baptist Church, led the congregation in an intercessory prayer.

The meet also deliberated on the recent excommunication/expulsion of fellow Nagas including the MP from Outer Manipur, from the Naga fraternity disallowing them to hold any public platforms, positions leadership and post in Naga society for seven years, INF said and added that they have decided to appeal to the UNC to recall and withdraw their resolution taken on May 29, 2024 at Chandel.

The meet also called for empowerment of the hill people by extending Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution or devolution of Article 371C or referring this special provision exclusively for hill people in Manipur to the Law Commission of India to reform, rectify, strengthen this provision, it added.

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