ANSAM firm not to lift economic blockade
morungexpress
Dimapur, June 15 (MExN): A determined All Nagaland Students’ Association of Manipur today made loudly clear to the Government of Manipur that the economic blockade against Manipur’s ADC elections stays “until the communal state government of Manipur comes to understand the issue rationally.” Stating that ties with Manipur state have been severed, the ANSAM issued a statement today stating stern warnings that “we will not be responsible for any untoward incidents meted to any person/persons who violate the genuine aspiration of Naga people’s quest for dignity and honour.”
The ANSAM has already made its position clear on the imposition of the ADC elections under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act 1971 (3rd Amendment 2008). In the series of consultative meetings held under the aegis of the United Naga Council of Manipur and Naga frontal organizations in Ukhrul, Taphou, Tadubi, Kangshang, Chamdil and Tamenglong in January – February, 2010, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act 1971 (3rd Amendment 2008) in its present form was unanimously rejected. “…it does not protect and safeguard the rights of the people,” the organizations stated. “Failing to accept the democratic demand of Naga people and tribals for justice, the ANSAM is constrained to inform that Mr. Ibobi Singh-led communal government would be solely responsible for any untoward consequences for aggression on other territory,” a furious ANSAM said.
The organization said that repeated appeals to the government for people’s consensus were blatantly ignored. “Had the elections been deferred and the empowering amendments enacted, the election would have been a successful democratic exercise. But because of the Ibobi Government and their hegemonistic policy towards the tribal, we launched the economic blockade,” the organization stated.
“Let this be known to all that, with the appeal from all section on the plight of innocent people in Imphal valley, to seriously review on economic blockade the United Naga Council (UNC) had call for presidential council meeting on 7th June, the ANSAM Presidential council meeting and Coordination committee of UNC and all District Coordination committee meeting on 8 June. The information was open invitation and the government was fully aware of the proposed meetings. However; to the dismay of the Nagas, the Government of Manipur came out with the arrest warrant with ‘wanted tag” of Rupees one lakh each on UNC president and ANSAM president on the same day of meeting. This was maximum insult on the Naga people.”
The ANSAM said 5-days were given to the government to revoke the arrest warrants issued against the Naga leaders and also withdraw the bounty announced. “But no positive response has been received till now,” the ANSAM said. Having exhausted all means of appeal and “our democratic means we have no other options but to continue the ongoing blockade much against our interest until the communal state government of Manipur comes to understand the issue rationally.”
The ANSAM stated: “In severing of our ties with the government of Manipur the ANSAM make the following points clear and loud for all concern; the Naga people will not at any cost allow the functioning of the imposed council formation in the Naga Hill District hence imposed ADC election and the result stands ‘null and void’; the “state communal forces commandos/MIRB deployed for creating war situation at Liyai khunuo (Chilo), Jessami, Mao gate and in all Naga areas” must be withdrawn immediately, the organization stated.