Centre must show urgency in bringing peace in Northeast, says Nienu

DIMAPUR — Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, on Tuesday said the leadership at the Centre must show that their government stands above party lines and that they are committed to uphold the sacred duty of the State to provide security of precious lives and property.

“It must show urgency in bringing peace and fulfill its promises made in election rallies and through various political talks with the tribals in Manipur and the North East region at large, it will salvage the situation of the left-over North-East India and its emotions,” the NPF leader said.

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Sharing his views on the present impasse in Manipur, Nienu opined that only exceptional humanitarian conviction loaded with extraordinary wisdom, or disturbance of the present Manipur state in the form of Autonomous Regional Council, Union Territory or separate administration under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution, maybe the answer to the violence-hit state.

He said the ineffective action and indifferent silence on the part of the Government of India (GoI) for nearly two months was not only shocking, but had also emboldened the adversaries of the state to undertake open ethnic cleansing and violence against the Christian minorities.

"It resulted in the avoidable death of many including the burning down of hundreds of churches. The present state of affairs in Manipur has shown the miserable failure of the state to protect lives and properties,” Nienu said and wondered whether this was all part of the “game plan to win the majoritarian hearts,” which will turn into votes by November 2023.

“Is the BJP government trying to gain MP seats by playing with human lives? If this is so, it is a costly affair in that it has torn the social fabric which has been holding Manipur state united,” the regional party leader said.

He also expressed apprehension that the “impromptu call” of All-Party meeting by Home Minister Amit Shah maybe another “political modus operandi” to gain sympathy of the opposition and break the speculated alliance of all opposition parties to gain advantage in the upcoming elections.

“How can disturbance erupt only when elections are just round the corner? We should be ashamed to gain power over peace,” Nienu added.

He went on to state that even Nagaland state is at the receiving end of politics and cited the “proposed proposal” of GoI for constitution of an Autonomous Council for Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) comprising of six districts.

Nienu argued that if Autonomous Council or Autonomous Regional Council is given to ENPO, then Nagas would be more divided politically and demographically, while reminding on the adage “United we stand, divide we fall.”

“The only consolation perhaps is the thought that if greater autonomy for the ENPOs results in better living condition and help them to come at par with the rest of the world, we congratulate them but at the end of the day, it may have adverse effect sooner or later.

“However, the bitter truth is also that we the members of the 14th August House of NLA are going to leave behind a legacy of disintegration of Nagaland,” he added.

The NPF leader went on to state that the idea of “disintegration” brings up another point - If the GoI is prepared to talk about Autonomous Council/Regional Council for the ENPO, why not the Kukis or the Nagas of Manipur?

Why can’t GoI apply the same yard stick to all the other states in the country? Is it a tactic to end the Naga Peace talks or a way to shy from the promises which never saw the light of the day? Neinu questioned.

He further maintained that whatever the outcome of the Manipur situation, one must not forget that the neighborhood relations amongst the Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas cannot be changed and that they deserve to live in peace and harmony with equality and respect.

“Therefore, the way forward is to find amicable solution from within, from among us, instead of waiting for outside powers to manipulate us at their whims and fancies. If we have to part ways, so be it. Parting is a sign of maturity and independence. But let us do so in the spirit of brotherhood, as our ancestors have always done, with good wishes for each other,” he said.

“Having said that, our aspirations for a day where we all coexist in the spirit of brotherhood under the common administrative roof will continue till it is achieved,” Nienu added.