Newmai News Network
NEW DELHI, MARCH 2
The United Naga Council (UNC) has reiterated for the peaceful parting of the Nagas and the Meiteis in Manipur saying both the communities can never confine together due to several factors.The UNC said this today in New Delhi even as its leaders continue to hold series of meetings with the Central leaders vis-a-vis the top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the issue of 'Alternative Arrangement' since the past two weeks.
"We respect the 2000 years history of Kangleipak and the Meiteis but in that history tribals are never part of it," the UNC stated.
Elucidating on the factors that are the hurdles for living together between the Meiteis and the tribals in Manipur, according to the UNC, they are different cultural aspects, different social practices and the life-style in general. "Knowing this aspect, the British when the came to the region had formulated separate administrations for the tribals and the Meiteis," the UNC pointed out. The Naga body also said in the post-British India, there are several separate provisions too for the tribals in Manipur alone excluding the Meiteis. "This is an indication enough that the tribals and the Meiteis cannot live together," it stated, adding, "It is better to tread on reality than on illusion," the UNC further said. The UNC said it is better to live as two good neighbours peacefully.
Meanwhile, reacting to the recent statements of the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and United Committee, Manipur (UCM), the Naga body said the repeated reminding of the 2001 June 18 episode is immensely hurting the Naga people. "When the Nagas were happy in the extension of peace (NSCN-IM ceasefire) in Manipur the Meiteis had sternly opposed that peace," the UNC said. "If this was not anti-peace movement than what was?" the UNC questioned. The mental injury of the Nagas during the tumultous period of June 2001 in Manipur will never be forgotten by the Nagas, the UNC further said.
