Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 15
President of the United Naga Council (UNC), Ng Lorho said today that since the outbreak of "ethnic conflict" on May 3, 2023, in Manipur, the Nagas have steadfastly maintained a position of neutrality, and have extended compassion and hospitality to all, however small it may be. "But, if our land, our history, and our identity are threatened or undermined, a moment may arise when silence is no longer an option, and we shall be compelled to speak and act in defence of our rightful heritage," the UNC president asserted. He was addressing the Lui-Ngai-Ni, the Nagas seed sowing festival, in Ukhrul today.
The UNC leader then said the proposed international border fencing along the Indo–Myanmar border, which cuts through our ancestral lands and restricts free movement within "our own homeland", is unacceptable. "So, on several occasions, UNC, ANSAM, NWU, and various tribal hohos launched democratic agitations, resulting in tripartite talks with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. Wherein it was agreed that the status quo would be maintained and no work activities will be undertaken until mutual understanding is reached among landowners, stakeholders, and the government", he added.
Furthermore, Ng Lorho said the official order of the Government of Manipur in the matter of the "contentious" Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the sale, purchase, and registration of land was superseded following strong opposition from the UNC. The revised order excluded the hill areas, thereby addressing the core concerns raised, he added.
The UNC president then said the path of peace is never easy, demanding patience, restraint, and extraordinary fortitude. "Yet all Naga national political groups, irrespective of size, chose the path of peace and entered into negotiations with the Government of India since 1997". However, a final political settlement remains elusive. When aspirations are delayed indefinitely, when patience is tested repeatedly, and when peaceful intent is mistaken for weakness, it risks undermining the very foundation of peace-building efforts, Lorho added.
The UNC leader then urged the Government of India to address the Naga political issue with sincerity and seriousness, and to bring about an honourable and amicable settlement at the earliest.
The UNC president then said that, with the restoration of a popular government in Manipur, he is hopeful that peace and stability will prevail. "We also anticipate the resumption of dialogue toward a permanent settlement on the long-pending issue of district rollback, which was stalled during the absence of a popular government", Lorho stated.
Giving the message of peace, the UNC president said, "As we celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni, may our message of peace echo across every Naga homeland and diaspora. Let unity guide our actions, wisdom temper our decisions, and forgiveness shape our relationships with neighbouring communities".
