IMPHAL, Nov 29: The United People’s Front (UPF), a civil body in Manipur on Thursday said it has been secretly revealed to some international organisations supporting NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah and the pro-Indian media that the Government of India has tentatively planned to offer two self-governing councils for the Nagas to bring a solution to the vexed Naga political issue.
“The Government of India is attempting to incite communal violence among the indigenous ethnic communities in Manipur”, Kh Suranjoy, general secretary of UPF alleged while addressing a one-day discussion on the theme: “Human rights and Conflict Situation in Manipur”, organized by UPF at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
Disclosing that the Government of India is trying to solve the ongoing peace process between the Government and NSCN-M by March 2013, Suranjoy said two self-regulating administrative bodies that will govern the culture, customary law and development of the Nagas would be set up in Manipur in the efforts of the Government to end the Naga political problem.
The Government is also planning to set up one such council or pan Naga council each in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, he said adding this came to light from some international organizations which support the NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah and other sources from the pro-Indian media.
According to the sources, the same administrative bodies would be based in Nagaland, he informed adding the Manipur Government is not likely to authorize to interfere in the two councils in any way. However, the councils are likely to give the rights to directly utilize development funds in their own ways, he added.
It is quite difficult to envisage the impact of the pan Naga council that might have upon all the other Naga movements and the insurgent movements for self-determination in the Northeast, Suranjoy said.
The 15-year-old political dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN-IM just cannot be negotiated covertly but everything on the proposed change and aspects of the dialogue process should be made known clearly to the people, he demanded.
“However, I think the present policy of the Government of India is entirely aims at inciting communal violence among the ethnic groups,” he alleged.
It is equally important to clear among the Governments of Manipur and India and indigenous people of the state in a democratic way about the integration questions of both the Nagas and the Kukis, he suggested.
Social scientist Dr Dhanbir Laishram moderated the deliberation. Advocate Gunadhor, Human Rights activist, RK Bobichand, director, Change and Peace Building Action, advocate Angomcha Araba, chief administrator, Life Watch, Jinine Laishramcha, convenor, North-East Human Rights Defenders Committee and BM Yaima, president, UPF attended the discourse as resource persons. Representatives of different civil societies were also present at the discussion.
Considering the prevalent issues and challenges in the state of Manipur, the deliberation recommended six confidence building measures. Firstly, Repeal Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, and bring an end to the other devices of legislation that would not help in process of conflict resolution and positive peace endeavor namely National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Act (NSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), etc.
Secondly, start the process of demilitarization in Manipur by withdrawing military forces. Thirdly, Extend proper and fair accomplishment of justice to the political prisoners by taking into account of the international legal instruments and undo the secret detention complication.
Fourthly, Encourage judicial activities and effective and independent inquiries for the human rights incidents in order to deliver justice to the victims and their families.
Fifthly, Exercise the favourable mechanisms and encourage the armed organizations, civil societies, the communities towards the maintenance of the communal harmony and a peaceful atmosphere of Manipur and Northeast.
Lastly, Alternative Political Arrangement for the Indo-Naga talk should be debated and consensus of the people in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland should be consulted and respected.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/upf-details-plan-of-goi-to-solve-naga-problem/
