NSCN (IM) condemn 8 Naga MLAs for signing representation to Prime Minister of India

Dimapur, Aug. 16 (EMN): A week after 40 members of Manipur Legislative Assembly submitted a representation to the prime minister of India amid the ongoing crisis in the state, the NSCN (IM) has condemned the eight Naga legislators, who were among the signatories, for involving in an issue that is not connected to the Naga political issue.

Only two Naga MLAs, out of the total 10, did not sign the representation, which has received backlash from various quarters including the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas in Manipur.

The NSCN (IM) termed the move of the eight Naga MLA of Manipur as ‘treading on treacherous ground’, saying that they have “proved themselves as confused lot of people not knowing who they are and who they represent in the Manipur Legislative Assembly”.

“The Nagas of Manipur was caught off-guarded when these ‘spineless MLAs’ joined hands with other 32 Meitei MLAs to submit representation to the Prime Minister of India on the issue that has nothing to do with the political aspirations of the Naga people,” read the press statement issued by the MIP, NSCN/GPRN.

“NSCN found their act shocking and weird as their representation to the Prime Minister is in totality against the voice of the Naga people demanding early implementation of Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 to meet the political right and legitimate aspiration of Naga people. For their reckless representation, NSCN condemn the eight MLAs in strongest terms,” it added.

It may be mentioned that a group of 40 Manipur MLAs, including eight from the Naga community, had on August 9, submitted a 6-point representation to the prime minister, which included complete disarmament by confiscating weapons belonging to insurgent groups and illegal foreign forces and those stolen from the state machinery, withdrawal of Suspension of Operation Agreement with groups that have violated the ground rules and implementation of the National Register of Citizens.

The memorandum also opposed the demand of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum for a separate administration, sought strengthening of the autonomous district council and initiation of peace talks after fulfilling the aforementioned demands.

Also read: Naga peace talks set to resume; NSCN-IM, WC-NNPG leaders camping in New Delhi