Mokokchung, 16 August (MTNews): Following the representation submitted to PM Modi by 40 MLAs of Manipur, including the 8 Naga MLAs who supported Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s move to urge the Union government not to consider the ‘separate administration’ demand of the Kuki community, the NSCN-IM referred to the 8 Naga legislators as “spineless MLAs.”
Labeling this as “treading on treacherous ground,” the NSCN-IM stated that the eight Naga MLAs of Manipur have demonstrated themselves as a “confused group of individuals” who are uncertain about their identities and the constituencies they represent in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
It is noteworthy that the memorandum signed by the MLAs explicitly stated, “There is a crucial point that must be emphasized. A ‘separate administration’ as demanded by the ITLF/Kukis is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.”
The memorandum also clearly demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur and added that the collection of biometric data of immigrants from Myanmar has commenced in the state and that it “should be expanded and strengthened.”
The 40 MLAs also reiterated the Biren Singh government’s previous demand that the Union government promptly withdraw the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, stating that these groups have violated the ground rules.
Reacting to this, the NSCN-IM expressed that the Nagas of Manipur were caught off guard when these “spineless MLAs” aligned themselves with 32 other Meitei MLAs to submit a representation to the Prime Minister of India on an issue unrelated to the political aspirations of the Naga people.
The NSCN stated that they found this act “shocking and weird” as their representation to the Prime Minister goes against the collective voice of the Naga people who demand the early implementation of the Framework Agreement of 3 August 2015 to meet the political rights and legitimate aspirations of the Naga people.
“For their reckless representation, the NSCN condemn the eight MLAs in strongest terms,” the NSCN-IM said.
NSCN-IM to hold talks with GoI
Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM is reportedly set to hold talks with the GoI on 21 August 2023 in New Delhi. Sources confirmed with this newspaper that Ato Kilonser of NSCN-IM Th. Muivah will be heading to Delhi on 19 August.