Mokokchung, 28 July (MTNews): In the wake of the unprecedented crisis in Manipur resulting from the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, concerns are rising about its potential repercussions in neighboring states, particularly Mizoram and Nagaland. The affected people from both sides of the divide are seeking safe havens in these regions for their livelihood and survival.
“While keeping its doors open for humanitarian relief and assistance, the Nagaland government should, at the same time, draw up a sound and calibrated security policy to prevent any unintended consequences,” The Naga Rising (TNR) stated in a statement today. “Competing claims over land and resources are often at the heart of ethnic conflicts around the world,” the organization stated.
TNR commended the Nagaland government for evacuating the stranded Nagas and bringing them home safely and appreciated the government’s responsibility of extending humanitarian assistance to the displaced people of Manipur.
However, TNR expressed concerns about the handling of the crisis by the Nagaland government. “From all accounts, it appears that the state government has no guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in dealing with movement of displaced people,” TNR observed.
TNR pointed out the absence of proper registration of the displaced individuals entering Nagaland. “Even basic measures such as registration of the displaced people entering Nagaland were not in place, if we go by local media reports,” it said.
This omission, according to TNR, not only creates difficulty in gauging the nature and magnitude of the humanitarian assistance required but also makes it impossible to assess the situation, which could have serious implications for the future.
The Naga Rising further called on the government to provide answers to several pertinent questions. “Are there guidelines/SOPs in dealing with displaced people entering Nagaland from outside the state? What is the number of displaced people of Manipur taking refuge in Nagaland and where are they currently sheltered?” it asked.
“Even as we appeal for an immediate end to violence, the situation in Manipur and Myanmar could pose serious security challenges for Nagaland,” TNR cautioned. It suggested that the government call for an urgent internal security assessment and put in place a coordinated policy and approach in tackling the after effects of the Manipur crisis.