IMPHAL, January 22: Naorem Jijon, Ex-General secretary of North Imphal United Club and Meira Paibi Organization has condemned the statements made by Nephiu Rio during the course of political meetings in the hill districts of Manipur. Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club today, Jijon said that it was totally wrong of Rio to say that there is no platform for the Nagas to express themselves in Manipur. He further said that right after Manipur attained statehood status, the first Chief Minister of the state was a Muslim, followed by Yangmasho Shaiza and Rishang Keishing. Apart from the 20 yrs of governance under non Meitei representatives, Manipur’s history is replete with the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang and Charai Thangal who fought to protect Manipur against the British.
“Nephui Rio’s statement in various public meetings saying that all territories inhabited by Nagas would come together as one would not only affect the territorial boundaries of Mnaipur but also other states in the NE region,” said Jijon. He said that all the people of the north east region should take note of the statements made by Rio. “If he is intent on breaking the territorial integrity of the states in the region, he should be made to leave the region,” he added.
He further charged that Rio should give his attention to resolving the demands for Eastern Nagaland rather than getting involved in matters of his neighboring states.