KANGPOKPI, February 2: Strongly reacting against the proposed United Committee Manipur (UMC) rally on February in Imphal, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) today said that there are many questions regarding the proposed February 6 rally which needs answers.
ANSAM president Seth Shatsang alleged that the proposed UCM rally to protest the August 3, 2015 framework agreement for settlement of the Indo-Naga issue is grounded on the notion of the “territorial integrity” of Manipur, which is a majoritarian creation and a slogan used widely to perpetuate the oppression and marginalization of the Nagas and tribal’s in Manipur.
He also alleged that the AMUCO, UCM and CCSK do not include the tribal’s in the state of Manipur, who constitute more than 41% of the population and they cannot dictate the boundaries of an indigenous peoples with a distinct culture and history, different from theirs.
He asked the organizing committee that in what manner will peace for the Nagas encroach upon the intrinsic historical rights of the dominant communities.
What would be the response of the February 6 rally to the issues of identity, ownership over land & resources and traditional customs & practices, opportunities and developments and representations of the Nagas and Tribal in Manipur?, he asked.
“What do the infamous 3 anti-tribal bills that caused the death of 9 tribal who are yet to receive dignified burials, which also oppose all forms of peace and settlement in the guise of “territorial integrity” that does not respect right to self determination means to them?”, he further asked.
Seth Shatsang claimed that the Naga villages have its clear and distinct boundary which is recognized and marked in maps and administrative records, and indisputably chronicled while adding that the Nagas cannot and will never claim anything beyond what is rightly theirs and the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue seeks to address this very position.
Nagas have never objected to the political aspiration of others but in fact have helped build movements and peoples` organizations across the region pointed out Seth Shatsang before adding that every oppressed people have political aspirations to be able to live with dignity – their identity, tradition and culture, ownership over land and resources respected.
“Settlement of the Naga issue will usher in peace not only for Nagas but also for all with whose futures are inseparably bound is our assertion”, he said while adding that the traditional boundaries will continue to exists and we will live as neighbors, in mutual respect and harmonious cooperation.
As struggling people, Seth Shatsang said, it is our appeal for promotion and support of each other’s genuine political aspirations and thereby making PEACE together for a better world.