Naga rally in Manipur
Correspondent IMPHAL, Mar 1:
A day before the deadlocked peace talks between the centre and the NSCN (I-M) was to resume in New Delhi, the Nagas living in Manipur Monday carried out peace rallies in the four hill districts pressing for early solution to the “Indo-Naga” problem.
Thousands of people took part in the rallies carried out in the district headquarters in Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong, under the aegis of United Naga Council and memoranda were submitted to the deputy commissioners of each districts for onward submission to the prime minister of India demanding early settlement the Naga issue with “honourable solutions.”
In Senapati district, around 3000 people marched from Senapati ground upto Forest Gate. Rallyists carried placards with slogans that read, “We want peace,” “We demand solution,” “Give peace a Chance,” “Naga integration is a must” etc.
In Ukhrul district, the rally simultaneously began from two places – Hungdung Junction and Kharasom Junction and finally converged at Tangkhul Ngala Long Ground at around 12.30 pm. Approximately 800 people took part in the rally.
President of Tangkhul Kadamnao Shanglong Wungnaosang, vice-president UNC Somi Tangkhul and convener of UNC Artex Shimray addressed the gathering.
Over 1200 people took part in the rally in Chandel that was kicked-off from Mahaunion Higher Secondary School ground. The rally proceeded upto Chandel Bazar and returned to the starting point where a meeting was held.
The rally was organised jointly by the Chandel Naga Students’ Union (CNSU) and Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) under the aegis of the UNC. President of the CNSU, KS Warshing and president of CNPO, Victor Nungthung Anal delivered speeches on the status of the progress of “Indo-Naga” peace talks.
In Tamenglong district, around 2000 people participated in the rally. Apart from students of various schools across the district, representatives and members of Zeliangrong Students’ Union, executive member of the interim body of Zeliangrong Union, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), etc took part in the rally.
The rallyists submitted a memorandum to the DC for onward submission to the Prime Minister.
Rallyists who marched under the banner “12 years of peace prayer, no solution, deny Naga, dialogue must be to solution, not in bashan” shouted slogans such as “We support Indo-Naga peace talks,” “We want Naga integrity,” “Long live collective leadership” etc.
Some carried placards that read, “Naga integration through negotiation,” “Nagas demand honourable settlement” etc.