PRESS RELEASE
Dated Taphao, Tahamzam, March 13, 2010
A CONSULTATIVE MEETING of the Naga tribes of Tahamzam, Senapati District (Maram, Thangal, Chiru, Kharam and Zeliangrong SPT Zone), Frontal Organisations, village Chiefs/Headman/Chairman was held at Taphou Community Hall, Tahamzam on 13th March 2010 on “PEACE AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS” under the aegis of the United Naga Council.
The Consultative meeting was attended by Maram, Thangal, Chiru, Kharam and Zeliangrong SPT Zone tribal leaders, Village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen, and Naga Frontal Organisations representing the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, Senapati District Students’ Association, Senapati District Women’s Association, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Women’s Union Manipur, United Naga Council and several public leaders and village authority members.
The Consultation had an extensive review on the status of the “Indo-Naga Peace Talk” and after a thorough deliberation the Headman of Maram Namdi (Khullen) on behalf of all the Village Chief/Headman/Chairman present proposed a Declaration of the Naga Village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen and was unanimously adopted by appending their signatures on the Declaration by the concerned village Chiefs/Headmen/Chairmen.
We the undersigned Chief/Headmen/Chairmen of the under mentioned name of villages and as the custodian of our land, resources, administration and with the mandate of our entire population of our respective Maram, Thangal, Kharam, Chiru and Zeliangrong villages, under the present Tahamzam, Senapati District, Manipur on this 13th day of March, 2010, at Taphou Naga Village, hereby declare the followings on the Indo-Naga Peace talk which is underway at New Delhi, India.
1. That, we reiterate our support and endorsement to the collective leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to have a political dialogue with the Government of India for a negotiated settlement to the Protracted Indo-Naga Conflict.
2. That, as the custodian of our custom and tradition our identity, land and history will be defended and preserved at all cost and our firm political stand is to uphold the aspiration of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one administrative roof and that this must be an integral component of the final negotiated settlement. That, for any settlement which excludes unification of Naga territories will not be honourable nor bring lasting peace.
3. That, it is our expectation that, the Government of India would sincerely demonstrate its political will to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga conflict through the ongoing Peace Process since the last 12 years for an acceptable and honourable settlement to both India & the Nagas.
The meeting further had an extensive discussion on the Imposed legislation, policy & program that threatens the rights of the people with special reference to The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act. 1971 (3rd Amendment) Act 2008; etc
After a thorough deliberation, the Meeting unanimously adopted the following decisions:
1. That, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and the Amended Act 2008 should be rejected in its present form and content, as the said Act does not protect and safeguard the rights of the people .
2. That the Meeting decided to urge the Hill Areas Committee to immediately defer the enforcement of the Act.
3. That, the elected representatives should be urged to review the Act.
Issued by:
Maram Union, Thangal Naga Union, Chiru Tribal Council, Kharam Hoho and Zeliangrong Union, SPT Zone