Naga ‘declaration’ snowballs into major controversy

IMPHAL, Feb 11 — Over and above the current electioneering process, the recent declaration made by the United Naga Council, on apex body of the Naga community in Manipur, to promote the “Naga cause” has snowballed into a major controversy in the 8th assembly election. It may be noted here that a declaration was drawn up by the UNC to protect and promote interest of the Naga people during a joint meeting of All Naga Students Association, Manipur, Naga Women Union Manipur, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights and the working group fo UNC on February 1 at Senapati district headquarters. The declaration said that the election campaign this time shall be used to strengthen the ongoing peace process including the application of the ceasefire to the whole of Nagaland (Nagalim) within the present day situation. It further said that Naga candidates once elected shall defend in the Manipur Legislature the inherent rights of the Nagas. Besides, Naga MLAs should be prepared to resign from the Legislative Assembly to promote the peace process and shall do so if called upon by the Naga people under UNC. Protesting the declaration Manipur National Conference, Keishamthong Youth staged a rally on Sunday here. The declaration was signed by 74 Naga candidates representing Congress (I), BJP, Samate Party MNC, NNP MSCP, NCP and Independent. The Democratic People’s Party, another newly-floated party also decided to organize a protest rally in Imphal Monday evening. The president of DPP Khaidem Mani while disagreeing with the declaration told mediapersons that the motive of the declaration is nothing but a step to disintegrate Manipur. Former Chief Minister and Tangkhul naga leader Rishang Keishing who was not included among the signatories, said the event should not be related to the election. The election being held to install a people’s government, bringing up issues pertaining to one community is not reasonable as election is in the interest of all people of Manipur, Rishang said. Another Rongmei Naga leader and vice-president of Federal party of Manipur Prof Gangmumei Kamei, who signed the declaration said the declaration was not a realistic draft and it will not be binding.” It was simply a conscience statement” Prof Gangmumei said. The AICC general secretary Mani Shanker Aiyer who had been camping here for the election, however said that the Congress candidates were forced sign the declaration adding that the matter has been conveyed to the state Governor Ved Marwah. On the other hand, the BJP national president Janakrishna Murthy who visited the estate recently, said that his party is yet to receive details about the matter and added that action will be taken up only after details are available.