Dimapur, 10 June (MTNews): Former Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President K Therie has welcomed the proposals for peace put forward by the “Hills’ MLAs” in Manipur. However, he said that Chief Minister N Biren Singh must be stopped from conducting mayhem in Manipur. “If not, you are a party to crimes against humanity,” Therie added.
In a press statement on Saturday, Therie said that Singh is “responsible for the loss of nearly 100 lives and the suffering of thousands of civilians in the state for no fault of theirs.”
The Congress veteran said, “He (Singh) has lost command over Kukis. He has also lost command and respect of all sensible citizens. His continuation will only worsen the situation.”
Therie also commented on the ten Naga MLAs from Manipur who recently met the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, where the Naga MLAs’ demand was “not to touch Hill areas in the event of arranging separate Administration for Kukis.” According to Therie, the demand conveys ‘no objection’ to creation of separate administration, and, thus, implies “disintegration of Manipur State.”
While acknowledging the MLAs’ stance, he emphasized that such a demand implied the disintegration of Manipur state, as separate administration is only possible with Union Territory or State status according to the Constitution.
He also noted that the delegates’ message did not address the demand for tribal status by Meites, suggesting their approval of granting Scheduled Tribe status to Meites. “And the third issue, Nagas of Manipur will be within Manipur State, if not relocated in the ongoing peace process,” Therie added.
Therie also stressed the pain and suffering experienced by the people of Manipur, emphasizing the need for peace restoration. He called upon leaders and thinkers from different communities to sit across the table and realign the discrepancies through dialogue, while ensuring the protection of each other’s interests.
“It may be Meites, Kukis or Nagas, the truth is, all are inseparable neighbours. Although it may not be at the cost of inherent rights and future, it is also our responsibility to be positive to each other,” he added.
Addressing the role of investigation teams, the former Nagaland Congress President acknowledged their duty to bring criminals to justice but emphasized that the political leaders must take responsibility for resolving the underlying political issues.
He cited the words of late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who in Dimapur addressed a huge public gathering and said, “I cannot give you peace. Peace has to grow from your inner heart, I can give you development.”