‘If not stopped, Nagas will be dragged into communal war’ | INF seeks Manipur Governor’s intervention |

The Imphal Naga Forum in a memorandum to the Manipur Governor made an earnest appeal for the early restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur, following violent clashes between the Meitei/Meetei and Kuki-Mizo-Zo communities. The conflict has resulted in extensive loss of life and property, leaving over 60,000 people displaced.

It sought the immediate and urgent devotion of the Union Government to work out a peace formula to the 14-month old ethnic mayhem which is severely affecting and hampering the lives and properties of each and every section of the people in the state.

“If it is not controlled and stopped on time, the violent conflict may spill over into other parts of the state and the Nagas will be dragged into this bloody communal war,” the INF stated.

Additionally, the INF expressed deep sorrow over the plight of those living in relief camps for they see no hope of returning to their original homes.

Established on June 6, 2023, the INF aims to support and protect the diverse Naga population in Imphal. It serves as a platform for dialogue among Naga intellectuals, Christian leaders, and other concerned parties to address crises affecting the state. The forum highlighted the necessity of its formation in providing moral and protective support to Nagas amidst escalating ethnic tensions.

”Since there is a sizable population of Nagas scattered in different parts of Imphal who become susceptible to the attack by various inimical forces. So, the need arises to form a body to provide moral support and protection to the Naga populace in Imphal, has arisen in view of the unfolding ethnic violence in the state,” the INF said.

Imphal Naga Forum holds consultative meeting amidst Manipur ethnic violence

The Imphal Naga Forum hosted a day-long special consultative meeting on July 17, 2024, at the Tangkhul Baptist Church conference hall in Imphal to assess and address the ongoing ethnic unrest in the state. Attendees included Naga church leaders, ordained ministers, social activists, bureaucrats, students, research scholars, intellectuals, and college professors.

The forum condemned the desecration and burning of 500 churches belonging to the Kuki, Naga, and Meitei communities. They also expressed their sorrow for the family of the late MS Merangir, son of Someng from Kangchup Chiru village, who was brutally tortured to death by armed miscreants on July 15, 2024.

They also deliberated on the recent excommunication and expulsion of fellow Nagas, including the MP from Outer Manipur, from the Naga fraternity, disallowing them to hold any public platforms, leadership positions, and posts in Naga society for a period of seven years. A passionate appeal was made to the UNC to recall, recant, revoke, and withdraw the resolution of its 29th May 2024 emergency meeting at Chandel.

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

The Imphal Naga Forum submitted a representation to the Governor of Manipur, signed by its Convenor and the General Secretary, calling for the early restoration of peace, equanimity, normalcy, and serenity in the state of Manipur in the aftermath of violent ethnic conflict that has destroyed lives and properties and rendered more than 60,000 people homeless.

The meeting was moderated by Dr Chance Raman, and Ambition Anth, convenor of the Imphal Naga Forum, delivered a welcome address.

Dr V Nelson, Director of CHSRC, Ukhrul; Dr Benjamin Gangmei, Associate Professor at United College, Chandel; Reverend Simon Raomai, President of AMCO and former UNC President G Gaingam; veteran journalist Mrs Valleyrose Hungyo; and Ningam Siro (retd MPS), former SP of Kamjong district, enlightened the audience with their talks touching on many areas of the present conflict.

The keynote address was delivered by the TV face of the Naga community in Manipur, Ashang Kasar, who emphasized that the Nagas should come out of their cocoon of neutrality and assert their constitutional rights.
The congregation was spellbound by the musical talent of Ungrumso Raman, MBC Choir Director, and his team.

MT