GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Home Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT
11th May 2010
The assault on the Naga leaders, Mr. Chuba Ozukum, Gen. Secy. Naga Hoho, Mr. G. Vashum, Jt. Secy. Naga Hoho and Mr. Nepuni Piku, Member, FNR on 9th May 2010 at Kohima by 2 mercenaries and a female companion who are under the payroll of Manipur government, is an affront and a direct challenge to the Nagas, especially at such a time when the Manipur State government and its Cabinet have openly waged war against the Nagas. The NSCN/GPRN in its strongest term condemns the inhuman acts of the perpetrators while wishing the leaders a speedy recovery.
It may be recalled that the attack is a fall out of the decision of the Naga people through the Naga Hoho consultative meeting of 8th May at Kohima where the house seriously viewed the Okram Ibobi led Manipur government’s uncalled decision to bar the home visit of Mr. Th. Muivah, the Chief Negotiator of the NSCN in the Indo-Naga political talks and the subsequent imposition of 144 Cr Pc resulting to indiscriminate firing upon with automatic weapons at the unarmed civilians while carrying out democratic and peaceful protest, killing 2 students and injuring more than 100 by Manipur state forces.
In the first place, it was never necessary for Ibobi and his panicky Cabinet to take a hasty decision on 1st May to bar entry of Th. Muivah to his native village and other Naga areas. For persons in such a state of mind can never assess correct situation. It is pity that Ibobi and his Cabinet could not see beyond their jaundiced eyes in the matter of the rights of the Nagas. They should abandon colonialist attitude and learn some lessons from the farsightedness and deep analysis of the Manipur Students’ Association, Delhi (a students’ body of Meitei community in Delhi). Every right thinking citizen appreciates resolving conflict through peaceful means and Nagas are totally committed to it. However, it is strange as to why the Manipur state should strongly oppose the peaceful home visit of Th. Muivah? Why has it waged a wrong war? It will be wise on the part of Ibobi to acknowledge the historical rights and the traditional boundaries of the Nagas in the same way as we do that of the Meiteis. By resorting to violence through brute state force, Ibobi is only rejuvenating the spirit of Naga nationalism to every Naga. He must realize that his policy of hate campaign against the Nagas is counterproductive for which he is only tightening the noose on own his neck.
On the issue of recently much talk about territory, it may be said that no nation, state or even a village exists without a clear cut boundary. Each compound of an individual too has a boundary. Likewise, Meiteis and Nagas are no exception. They have clear cut traditional boundaries since time immemorial. Nagas will have only what belongs to us and never even an inch from the Meiteis. Protection of boundaries is never an ethnic issue as Manipur state apprehensively projects. The Nagas do not bear any ill motive towards our immediate neighbor, Meiteis and others. However, it is our objective that the legacy of conflict and fighting between the communities is not left for posterity. Therefore, it is imperative to demarcate clear-cut boundary lines today but such exercise must not disturb the harmonious co-existence, inter-trade and commerce and social relations whatsoever. Therefore, all concerned must positively work towards realizing this end peacefully.
Sd/-
(Dg. Robert)
Secretary