Imphal: The Naga MLAs of Manipur have firmly stated that any settlement for the Kuki ethnic group should not affect Naga areas. While appreciating the Central government’s efforts to address the current crisis in Manipur, the Naga Legislature Forum, comprising 10 legislators from different political parties, emphasised that no part of Naga territory should be compromised.
The Naga Legislature Forum, Manipur, includes five MLAs from the Naga People’s Front (NPF). The forum recently camped in New Delhi, seeking appointments with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to a Naga MLA, the meetings will be scheduled after the Parliament session.
The 10 Naga MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly are SS Olish (Chandel AC), Ram Muivah (Ukhrul AC), Khashim Vashum (Chingai AC), Leishiyo Keishing (Phungyar AC), J Kumo Sha (Karong AC), L Dikho (Mao AC), N Kayisii (Tadubi AC), Awangbow Newmai (Tamei AC), Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong AC), and Dinganglung Gangmei (Nungba AC).
In a separate memorandum to both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the Naga legislators urged a resolution to the longstanding Naga political issues in the country. They congratulated Modi on his historic third consecutive term as Prime Minister, describing the victory as a testament to his vision and leadership.
Highlighting the historic Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, under PM Modi’s leadership, the Naga MLAs expressed deep appreciation for the agreement and reiterated their belief that it is the roadmap for resolving the Naga political issue. They reaffirmed that any solution for the Naga people in Manipur must adhere to the Framework Agreement and expressed confidence in Modi’s leadership to prioritize and bring a permanent solution to the Naga issue.
The Naga MLAs voiced their deep concern that addressing the current crisis in Manipur based solely on the demands of the Kuki ethnic group could lead to greater turmoil.
They specifically urged the Centre to exclude districts such as Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, and Henglep Assembly Constituency in Churachandpur from any Kuki-related political settlement. They argued that including these Naga-inhabited areas in such settlements would severely impact the socio-political landscape of the state and lead to widespread unrest.
The legislators emphasized that these districts are integral to the historical and cultural identity of the Naga people in Manipur. They stated that Naga tribes have inhabited these areas since ancient times, and any attempt to include them in a political settlement with the Kuki group would destabilize the region.
Highlighting the serious threats faced by the Naga people due to the continuous influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, the Naga MLAs called for urgent action. They noted that the influx has been ongoing since the 19th century and has increased due to the political crisis in Myanmar, with many immigrants seeking refuge in border areas of Manipur.
The legislators requested the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to detect and repatriate illegal immigrants, believing that this would protect the indigenous people of the country and address the demographic and geopolitical imbalance contributing to the current crisis in Manipur.
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