In a recent development, the United Naga Council (UNC), representing the apex body of the 20 Naga tribes in Manipur, expressed their concern over what they perceive as an attempt to drag the Nagas into a conflict zone. This statement was made in response to allegations put forth by the Manipur Patriotic Party (MPP) through a press release. The MPP accused Ally Shimray, one of the administrators of the Facebook group “Southern Nagalim,” of circulating false information, impersonation, and defamation.
The MPP claimed that Shimray had disseminated fabricated content using a counterfeit letterhead and forged signature of the MPP’s General Secretary. The press release falsely accused the MPP of issuing warnings to smaller Naga communities, including the Koms, Anals, Chothes, Chirus, and Aimols, residing near Kuki-Zo areas, regarding alleged support for the Kuki-Zo volunteers.
The UNC, condemning the MPP’s accusations, reiterated the neutral stance of the Nagas, stating, “One should not be so oblivious that UNC has been playing a neutral role without being biased towards both the communities.”
“Allegation and counter allegation against each other and washing one’s hand like Pilate by both the individuals in the ploy are a deadly sin. One should be mindful that nothing can be hidden in this digital era and the perpetrator involved to exacerbate the deeply rooted conflict is advised to come out clean before the damage is done,” the UNC added.
The council firmly asserted that the Nagas will remain neutral and highlighted the ‘unfortunate’ harassment, mistreatment, provocation, and intimidation faced by certain Naga tribes residing in close proximity to both warring communities in the periphery and foothills. In response, the UNC disclosed the names of the constituent tribe hohos (union/associations) to ensure that Nagas are not harmed due to mistaken identity.
The constituent tribe hohos affiliated with the UNC are as follows: Anal Naga Tangpi, Aimol Tribe Union, Moyon Tribe Union, Chiru Union, Chothe Lim Abom, Inpui Naga Union, Kharam Union, Lamkang Union, Liangmai Naga Council, Mao Council, Maram Naga Union, Maringuparup Assembly, Poumai Naga Union, Rongmei Naga Council, Monsang Tribe Union, Tangkhul Naga Long, Tarao Tribe Union, Thangal Union, Khoibu Union, and Zeme Naga Council.
Reacting to the development, Ally Shimray told Mokokchung Times that the accusation was “senseless and wrong” by the newly formed organization, the Manipur Patriotic Party (MPP). Shimray said that he only shared an “already circulated, viral post that threatened the small Nagas tribe which is in Chandel, the Tengnoupal district of Manipur.”