DIMAPUR, MAY 9: Speaking at the Parliament on March 4 and April 21, 2008 Lok Sabha MP of Outer Manipur, Mani Charenmei, called attention to the slow progress of the talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India and said that it has created doubt on the success of the peace talks. He said that the delay was eroding the faith and confidence reposed on the Centre and creating restlessness, particularly among the youth. He sought to make clear that if the GoI’s aim is simply to contain the underground groups instead of committing to give peace to the Naga by removing injustice done to then, real peace may prove elusive even if the Centre is to exterminate or abolish all the Naga insurgents. “The Naga deserve peace; their demand is legitimate; and their demand for unification or integration to live under one administration is not at all unconstitutional; it is not illegal.”Saying that all states of the country are formed on the basis of language and culture, he stated that Nagas share a common history, common culture and tradition and this demand needs to be looked into. Saying that the tenure of the UPA Government is also running out, he urged the Primed Minister and Home Minister to take a bold step to give peace to the suffering Nagas who have been fighting for justice.
In another occasion, on April 4, 2008, the Lok Sabha MP of Outer Manipur expressed sadness for the Naga issue not being featured in the President’s Address. Mentioning the 16 Point Agreement signed between GoI and Naga People’s Convention, which stated that if Nagas desired to live together, it would be granted. He said that Nagas have been divided and given different treatment. While Nagas in Nagaland are allowed to enjoy privileges over land, culture and their identity, it was not so for Nagas living in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, who are subjected to different kinds of discrimination. He appealed for the issue to be considered and brought to a logical conclusion at the earliest.
(MExN)