Imphal, July 21: The Manipuri Students� Federation has strongly criticized the NSCN (IM) for trying to fan communal hatred and said that Naga MLAs of the State have been forced to retract from the ceasefire issue due to coercion by the outfit.

Charging that the NSCN (IM) had issued strict warning to the Naga MLAs of the State not to involve themselves in the ceasefire issue and give their opinions, MSF said in a statement that former chief minister Rishang Keishing failed to attend a meeting of State MPs and MLAs with the Prime Minister on July 8 due to the threat given to him by NSCN (IM).

MSF also said the rebel outfit is exerting pressure not only on nine State Naga MLAs (3 each from Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati districts) but also on MPs and MLAs of other Northeastern States to toe their line on the issue.

A section of the State�s Naga populace left Imphal valley not because they fear Meiteis but because they had been warned by the outfit under a devious plan to arouse communal feelings amongst the different communities, it said.

Stating that well armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) in full fatigues descend on the valley and carry out intimidation openly, the student body charged that the cadres sometimes use the homes of those who have left as their shelters.

It however said that the NSCN (IM) would be held responsible in the event of any attack on the State Naga people and added that the Meiteis have not fallen to the outfit�s trap.

MSF termed as unfortunate the proposed National Highway blockade by some Naga organizations purportedly backed by NSCN (IM).

It warned the Naga leaders it was ready to call economic blockade in Assam.

MSF appealed to Tangkhul daily Aja not to publish stories which might evoke communal flare up.

It said it respects press freedom but will never agree to publishing of wrong reports.

Rejecting a report in the paper that the Meitei women carried out dharna by putting on Naga customs, MSF said it is making arrangements for the Editor Valley Rose and staff to make joint visits to places of dharna.

Comment