[Previous entry: "Government: Naga talks on July 21-22, truce extension on card Kuknalim.com"] [Next entry: "Back for talks with old script - Naga leaders refuse to ‘compromise’ OUR BUREAU The Telegraph"]

07/17/2007: "Thrust on ‘issue’ before ceasefire extension Morung Express News"

Thrust on ‘issue’ before ceasefire extension Morung Express News
Dimapur Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah today flew to New Delhi from Dimapur to continue dialogue with the Centre, albeit with a purpose of discussing the ‘issue’ first before touching on extension of the ceasefire. The NSCN (I-M) collective leadership is accompanied by 14 others, including security men.
Two elderly Naga women raise their voices in prayer for peace at a public meeting at Camp Hebron. (MExPix)
A top official of the organization which has been engaged in parleys with the Union government for the last 10 years said: “Ceasefire is just a means to a solution. Something tangible has to be worked out.” Based on the Centre’s response to the issue, discussions on the ceasefire will be carried out, he said.
He blamed the Centre for not being able to take “bold steps” even after the NSCN (I-M) had submitted its proposals for a solution “mutually acceptable to both sides.” On the much-debated topic of unification, he said, “The people and their land cannot be separated.” There is no basis for the talks if unification is not taken into account, he added. “This time, the talks cannot be taken lightly.”
The next round of talks is to begin on July 20, sources said. The ceasefire expires on the last day of this month. The NSCN (I-M) team will discuss issues with a central team of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor for the talks, K Padmanabhaiah.
Before leaving for the airport, Swu and Muivah addressed a hurriedly-called meeting of civil society and a gathering of the public, where both leaders asked cadres to repent. “We do not know the outcome (of the talks) but pray for us,” Swu said. He said that “the Indo-Naga political process is the longest political negotiation in the world and it is in the hands of God and if we have faith, He will open up ways for the Nagas.”
Muivah left the fate of the talks in “Jehovah’s hands.” He reminded that “so long as the Nagas realize their mistakes and repent we will not achieve anything.” “Let us dig into the past and realize our mistakes. We have the obligation to confess our sins,” he said.
Naga Council Dimapur President, Savi Liegise, speaking at the occassion said: “We are with you. Do not be afraid to speak for God is with us.We should have an honourable solution because people deserve it.”
The Human Side Young faces offered polite smiles with looks of innocence, curiosity and even shyness but when asked what would happen if the 10 year old Ceasefire was not extended, there was only one answer, “We fight”. Smartly dressed in the uniforms, these young cadres stood on guard as the team of the collective leadership held a public meeting before leaving for the peace talks in Delhi. As the entire gathering stood up for a mass prayer before the Naga delegates left for the airport, a young soldier could be seen with bowed head, eyes tightly closed and unmoving lips, offering God his own silent application.
On the “national Ahza” ordering their cadres to return to the designated camp, one cadre said that they were just alert but not really tense. “After our long patience, if the Ceasefire is broken because of their (GOI) arrogance, then we are ready for anything”, the cadre stated adding that they would fight if they had to.
Though admitting that after 10 years of ceasefire, they were more vulnerable with the Indian Army having access to new information, another cadre reaffirmed that there was no two ways about it. They were ready to fight. That’s why they had joined the NSCN-IM and they would not back out from their duties.
There was no doubting their simple straight answers and the resolution in those young eyes. As one groped for words in the face of such calmness, the young solder smiled and said, “Let us just pray for the best”.
NSCN-IM declaration
The president of the NSCN (IM) has declared that all the forces which are opposed to unification of the Nagas will be treated as National enemies. In another statement, the Zeliangrong region of the outfit today said that anyone found collecting money in its name will be sternly dealt with
UNC pledges to uphold historical and political rights Newmai News Network
Senapati While reiterating that the Nagas will never accept the present arbitrary geographical boundaries drawn by the colonialists "which had divided the Naga family", the United Naga Council (UNC) today said that the relation between different ethnic communities or groups in the "present state of Manipur" before and during the British period had been clearly documented. With this comment, the Naga body pledged that historical and political rights of the Nagas would never die and the "struggle will continue so long as our aspiration is not fulfilled".
Given the above situation, the UNC explained its reason for endorsing the 6 Naga MLAs in the 9th Manipur Assembly Election saying that these "MLAs have been elected so with the peoples' mandate to pave the way for expressing the birthrights of the Nagas on land and the people which have been suppressed and deprived off till date and also that the need of the hour is to have committed and dedicated Naga leaders like them (MLAs) to create history. They do not interfere in the political affairs of other communities -therefore leave them alone".
This statement of the United Naga Council came as a reaction to the United Committee. Manipur (UCM)'s comment on the 6 UNC backed MLAs and the Lok Sabha MP (Outer), all from Manipur who met the Prime Minister and other Central leaders few days ago. Issuing this statement to Newmai News Network in Senapati today by its information and publicity secretary S. Milan, the UNC affirmed that the 6 MLAs and the MP are ought to be "appreciated and honoured by all communities irrespectively for displaying their courageous commitments towards the genuine cause as true representatives of the people".
It then cautioned that attempts made to victimise these MLAs and the Lok Sabha MP socially and politically by throwing dust on their faces by any individual or organisation will never be tolerated under any circumstances. "The Nagas will always support and defend them at all cost", declared the UNC statement.
Terming it as very unfortunate regarding the statement issued by the United Committee, Manipur (UCM), the United Naga Council said that the UCM had pointed its finger against "the Lok Sabha MP (Outer) and the 6 Naga MLAs who are at present in New Delhi to express the aspirations of the Nagas living in the present state of Manipur but the UCM called them as communal, notorious which are baseless allegations."
The Naga body also said that the Nagas have endorsed them the mandate to correct the wrongs being done to the Nagas by speaking and acting inside and outside the Parliament/Assembly for the fullest exposition of the Naga movement. The United Naga Council then clarified that none of the 6 MLAs backed by the UNC had sought any party tickets to contest in the 9th Assembly election of Manipur.
Students take uncompromising stand on illegal immigrants Morung Express News
Mokokchung While standing firm in its call for ‘Survival 2007’ till today, the Ao Students Conference (AKM) sought to clarify all doubts on the actions carried out on July 17, 2007 at Mokokchung Town. The union stated that since the clarion call was given by the AKM, respectable non-local citizens of India had abided and left Mokokchung Town by the July 11, 2007. However, it was noticed that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh (Miyas) are still at Mokokchung Town defying the call given by the AKM Therefore, the union resolved to issue verbal ultimatum to all Miyas irrespective of their year of entry to Mokokchung and added that the ultimatum does not only bind them but also those Nagas who harbor them in their houses either rental or private. The AKM also conveyed that it would not tolerate the residing of Naga women married to those Miyas at Mokokchung as they are Miyas by relation/marriage according to their custom.
The AKM also informed fellow Nagas that the people of Mokokchung would consider those people who testify as guarantors to the Miyas as traitors of the Nagas and will be dealt as befitting for them. Also in view of the fact that trade permits are issued to locals only, the union informed that any locals, businessmen employing Miyas as their salesmen or renting out their permits to them will be dealt befittingly. Further the release issued by the AKM president Aodongnok stated that in the process of issuing verbal ultimatum to the Miyas, no volunteer has ordered any individual/shopkeeper to close down their shops in the town. However a large number of shops had been closed as soon as the AKM duty began. Therefore the student body said that it took this action as disclosure of their identity as Miyas, when all Biharis, Marwaris and UPs and other communities’ shops remain opened. Therefore, they said that a close observation would be kept on those shops that had closed during the incident.
While acknowledging those individuals who had volunteered for the cause, especially well wishers who had donated in kind for the success of their endeavor, the AKM said that the public should carefully discerned the rumors being circulated by the shrewd Miyas. Also the AKM called on the inhabitants of neighboring districts to be vigilant for those Miyas being driven out of Mokokchung. The AKM has never thought of harassing Indians of any state and therefore we expect close co-operation from all, the student body stated.
Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Abhishek Singh gave out an order to ensure security and law and order in Mokokchung Town that any person indulging in forcible closure of shops or harassment of anyone will be arrested immediately by Police. It also informed that sufficient security personnel would be deployed in the town to provide security to all shops. Moreover the DC informed all shopkeepers to ensure that shops are open as normal since security was being provided and added that willful closure of shops would attract stern actions including cancellation of trade permits. The order also informed that ILP checking drive would be launched by administration and police from July 18 onwards.
Hokheto lashes out at conspirator Staff Reporter Nagaland post
DIMAPUR: NPCC president Hokheto Sumi Tuesday alleged some elements were trying their best to cause dissidence among Congress leaders in the State as they know that Congress is making progress everyday.
Inaugurating a new office building of DCC here, Hokheto said some Congressmen were collaborating these conspirators. He cautioned party workers to be "very careful" of these people.
Hokheto in his speech said that, "Dimapur is very important" as it is not only the gateway to India and business hub but also for politics, and further urged the party workers to choose the right candidate for the ensuing elections to get elected and show to others. In this regard, he said that choosing a candidate without considering the realities of Dimapur would be a disaster.
"Under Indian National Congress (INC) there is every means of protection" said Hoketo while stating that some agencies are threatening the party workers.
The NPCC president also congratulated the party workers for completion of its office building despite being in the opposition with all the hardships and urged them to be courageous and work towards the success of Congress.
Congress MLA Rokonicha, in his brief speech said that it was only individuals and not politics that is, "useless and good for nothing." He said that there are some people with dictatorial attitude who do not consider the opinion of others and added that this kind of people will not last long.
While pointing out that Nagaland is being ruled by the policies of a national party, Rokonicha said politics control everything to the extent of "religion, army and social" and politicians were only elected members in a democracy.
He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the "undergrounds and overgrounds" to overthrow the Congress regime in the State, and making the DAN government come to power.
Indicating on the prospects of Congress coming to power in the next state assembly elections, the MLA said that the ruling party at the centre determines the power in the state.
Earlier, the NPCC president, Hokheto inaugurated the office, invocation was offered by Rakhu Livi, pastor of Police Baptist Church, Dimapur, a report on behalf of the Building Construction Committee was delivered by Toshi Imsong, general secretary of DDCC, while Alem, secretary Disciplinary Action Committee proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting was chaired by Roben Lotha, president of DCC Dimapur.
The programme was attended by Congress party workers from the five constituencies under Dimapur district, including former chief minister, K. L. Chishi and former minister S. I. Jamir.
Who stands for unification of traitor?- Nagaland Post
The statement of Isak Chishi Swu for the unification of Naga territories under the Indian Union is needed to respond for the larger interest of Naga people who said, "The ceaseless work of a handful of forces opposing the unification of Naga area/territories are anti-nationals. They shall be treated as enemy of the Nagas", which appeared in Nagaland dailies on July 17.
Indeed, whosoever stands or speaks for the unification/integration of Naga territories under the Indian Union is anti-national and anti-Naga nation. Before Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu completed their graduation, the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed and through which the Nagas were united and integrated into a nation. And then the sovereign existence of Naga nation was formally made known to the outside world before India and Myanmar were granted their independence on August 15, 1947 and on January 4, 1948 respectively. The Naga people reaffirmed the declaration of the NNC and voted to remain as an independent nation in May 1951.
In March 1956, a federation of the Nagas of South-west and the free Nagas in North-west was made and established the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). It is a fact that before Isak and Muivah joined the NNC in 1960s to serve the Naga nation, the Nagas themselves had well founded as a nation. And Isak and Muivah also vigourously defended the sovereignty of Nagaland as the enemies of the Nagas? Who are they to give up the sovereignty of Nagaland? Can there be some Indian leaders like Isak and Muivah who attempts to give up the sovereignty of India and demand for the integration of Indian territories under the Chinese Union? Can such move be accepted by the Indians?
So also the Nagas will never accept the move for integration or unification of Naga territories under the Indian union. This is the most treacherous word and anyone or group who works or supports for unification of Naga territories under the Indian Union is a traitor, and that they shall be dealt with as treason.
Thihu Khamo,
Asst.secy,
FGN.
Booklet for NE students triggers protests Nagaland post
New Delhi, July 15 (Agencies): A Delhi Police booklet suggesting a code of conduct for students and visitors from the northeast has sparked outrage among people from the region, with an MP planning to take up the issue with the Union home ministry.
While a section of the people from the northeast termed the booklet titled "Security Tips for Northeast Students/Visitors in Delhi", issued by the West District Police, as "helpful", many have taken strong exception to what they described as its "insensitive" advise.
The booklet advises girls from the region to avoid wearing any "revealing dress" and has suggestions about cooking "smelly" food without creating a "ruckus" in the neighbourhood.
"If they are dictating food habits and a dress code, then it is a cultural imposition," said Khiren Rijju, a Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh
"If it is true, I will meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil and lodge a strong protest," he told PTI.
A committee of students from the northeast has convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue, said Lalzarliana, president of the Mizo Students Association.
"We strongly object to the remarks on food and dress. These comments are not in the proper spirit," said Savanai, vice president of the Naga Students Union.
Subhromitra Gogoi, the secretary of the National Students Union of India who hails from Assam, said the booklet was helpful for northeastern students coming to Delhi but police should not have given suggestions on food habits and dress.
In the booklet, deputy commissioner of police (west Delhi) Robin Hibu, an IPS officer from Arunachal Pradesh, advised women from the region to dress according to the "sensitivity of the local populace" and described north-eastern food as "smelly".
"Revealing dress (should) be avoided," is the blunt guideline. There’s more: "Avoid lonely road or bylane when dressed scantily."
The IPS officer, who has spent his youth in Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), defends his counselling: "We are not denigrating women and not asking them to lose their identity. It is only advice to adjust with the system."
"There are times when wearing revealing dresses can provoke untoward incidents. One has to be very careful," he adds.
Calling "bamboo shoots and akhuni" smelly dishes, the booklet says that they "should be prepared without creating a ruckus in the neighbourhood." Though Hibu recognises that bamboo shoots are a most popular food item in the north-east, and akhuni, fermented soyabean, a favourite among Nagas, he says, "The smell that comes out of the shoots while cooking is not tolerable at all. So, one has to be careful that the neighbourhood shouldn’t feel disturbed."
On Sovereignty and what the Naga struggle is all about Kaka D Iralu
Having written about the Naga struggle for over nine years and having written over one thousand pages about it, some fellow Nagas (and perhaps even Indians) may already be fed up with me and my opinions. I am also quite aware that I have repeated myself on many occasions. However, allow me to once again express myself with the following article.
Yes, what is Sovereignty and the Naga struggle all about? Here I would like to emphatically restate again that our struggle is to be sovereign and Independent. In other words; it is to be a nation among the nations of the world. This assertion on our part is based on irrefutable, historical, anthropological, political and legal facts that bind all nations on earth.
Now, on the basis of these universal facts, what is the meaning and implication of sovereignty and independence with relation to the Naga struggle?
In the present Naga context, though the ordinary Naga soldiers and villagers are quite clear as to what sovereignty is and what they are fighting for, our leaders on the other hand – both Over grounds as well as Undergrounds – seems to be totally confused as to what sovereignty is all about. For example some of our senior Nagaland (Indian) state politicians are now saying that sovereignty has changed its meaning over the years and that economic sovereignty has now overtaken the meaning of political sovereignty. They go on to say that in the peculiar North Eastern context, we have to redefine the meaning of sovereignty and adopt one that will suit our own context.
Then there are some of our national leaders who, despite the fact that India had invaded our sovereign lands in 1954, and despite the fact that ever since, a foreign Indian flag and Burmese flag have been flying over our lands; they are still continuing to insist that sovereignty of the Nagas is still with the Nagas. These leaders are now talking about a Federal relationship with India- the invader country.
Now to clear up all these confusions created by our own leaders, let us examine the meaning of the word Sovereignty in its linguistic and political context: Here, let us begin by stating this linguistic truth that: “Words” apart from their association to material objects has no meaning in themselves.
For example, if I, an Angami Naga is talking to an African in my own dialect, and I am saying “ This is my mouth,”( Haw ame) without pointing to my mouth , the African gentleman will not understand what I am saying. All that he will be hearing will be some phonetic sounds with no meaning whatsoever! However, if I point my fingers to my mouth and say “This is my mouth;” then though he doesn’t understand my language, he will comprehend that I am talking about my mouth.
Words therefore have no meaning in themselves apart from their association to material objects. This is true of any words and their association to material objects, whether it is in relation to the stars, the moon or the whole planet earth and all that is in it.
Conforming to this linguistic law, the word sovereignty too, has no meaning apart from its association to material geography and material human beings.
Now in the context of this linguistic truth, what is the meaning of the word “Sovereignty” or its synonym – “Independence” in relation to the Naga struggle? In the context of political science and sociology, to be sovereign is to be self governing in one’s own geographical territory. It is to be free and independent of any other nation’s political dictates or Constitutional control. Here, like the word “My mouth,” the word “Sovereignty” also has no meaning apart from its association to a concrete material geographical land and a material self governing people inhabiting that land with their own distinct history, culture and laws.
That being the definition of sovereignty and independence, a people and nation like the Nagas whose lands have been invaded by two other sovereign powers is no longer a sovereign country. After all when the writ and laws of India and Burma are controlling our national affairs and when their flags are flying in our national lands, how can we claim that we are still independent? We have in fact become “Subject” nations of these two invading nations. In such a situation, the only option left for the citizens of the suppressed nation is to take up arms to defend their declared sovereignty against the occupational forces. In this context such armed, self defence activities of a suppressed nation can never be termed as “Unlawful Activities.” Far from it being “An unlawful activity,” it is in fact the most “Lawful activity” waged against the “Unlawful activities” of the aggressor nations. In our case, these two nations are India and Burma who are, against all political and international laws accusing us of indulging in “Unlawful activities” under Regulations like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 etc.
This is exactly why Naga citizens and its soldiers have been waging a war of self defence against the invasion forces of India and Burma for the past 60 years (1947-2007)
Now, on the basis of the above stated facts and also in exercise of my Naga traditional democratic rights, allow me to address the following questions to both our respected over ground as well as Underground leaders of our nation. I am posing these questions to you because confusions over political terms and their meanings have brought us into a state of fratricidal killings and even the bleak prospects of a very bloody civil war among ourselves:

Questions to our over ground (Indian Nagaland State) leaders.
1. What do you mean by saying that as long as we improve our economic and human resources, we can become sovereign within the Indian Union?
2. While appreciating the importance of economic sovereignty of a nation, is there one single nation in the whole modern world where such a particular nation has complete economic sovereignty to the extent1 that, that country does not need any imports-technological or material- from any other countries for their economic survival? Also, can economic sovereignty be equated with political sovereignty?
3. Are not political sovereignty and economic sovereignty two different issues altogether? In my understanding, political sovereignty means a country that is politically independent from any other nation’s interference in their national affairs. As for economic sovereignty of a nation, it means the economic self sufficiency of that particular nation. In other words, in a general sense, when we talk about political sovereignty and economic sovereignty, we are talking about “Freedom” (Political and legal in nature) and “Food” (Material and physical in nature). In this politico-economic context, as far as I am concerned, a full stomach will not automatically result in a sound sleep if, as in our case, the Indian army under AFSPA can enter our houses and even shoot us to death on mere suspicion.
4. Can we Nagas, spitefully redefine such an important and universal political term as “Political sovereignty” into “Economic terms” so that our COMPROMISED political stand- caused by the 16 Point Agreement- can be justified before India and the world? Some of our over ground national leaders indeed betrayed our political sovereignty in order to gain economic benefits from India, when they signed the 16 Point Agreement in 1960. Here, please do not try to justify that treacherous betrayal by mixing political terms with economic terms. If we, a small nation try to do that, then the rest of the world can sue us in an international court of law for trying to twist political terms that are crucial for the political survival of any nation on earth. After all many nations have gone to war with many other nations when their political sovereignties were threatened by external invasions. Here we have absolutely no right to redefine political terms with economic terms and insult the sacrifices of other nations who have also suffered like us in human history.

Questions to our Naga national leaders.
1. As you go for final crucial talks with the Government of India for a federal relationship with her, what do you mean by a “Federal relationship with the country that has invaded our lands?”
2. Do we not already have a Federal relationship with India because of our over ground leaders who treacherously signed the 16 Point Agreement and made Sovereign Independent Nagaland into an Indian State in 1963? Are you trying to further consolidate this betrayal and condemn all future generation of Nagas into Indian citizens and Indian subjects?
3. When our Naga Yehzahbo in Article 1, with reference to the integrated Naga territories of Nagaland had clearly stated that “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise of all the territories inhabited by the Naga tribes…,” what integration of Naga territories under the Constitution of India are you talking about with India? Does one sovereign nation ask another nation to demarcate its national boundaries and integrate its people under the political umbrella of that other nation?
4. What do you mean when you say “We have not given up sovereignty; sovereignty is with the Naga people?” When a foreign flag is flying in our country and foreign soldiers are empowered to even shoot us to death on mere suspicion, can sovereignty of the Naga nation be still with the Naga people? Is political sovereignty a feeling or a spirit that can still reside in the hearts and minds of a nation even when their leaders have surrendered their political freedom and political geography in a federal relationship with the invading nation?
5. At the beginning of the present peace talks, India had clearly stated that independence of the Nagas is an issue that cannot be discussed in the talks. What then have you been talking for the past nine years? When the real issue is not being addressed, can there be a solution to the issue? “When will this nine years “Diplomatic dance” with India finally come to an end?”( The phrase; “Diplomatic dance” has been borrowed from an African lady who recently spoke in the CNN over the Darfur imbroglio where the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the UN have been talking and talking diplomatically without bringing out any concrete solutions for the suffering millions of the Darfur tragedy).
6. I for one will salute you, if you walk away from this nine year “Diplomatic Dance” with India, if the present Indian leaders will continue to refuses to address the issue of Naga independence. Thousands upon thousands of both Nagas and Indians have already died over this issue in the span of the past 60 years. If however, Indian leaders will still try to evade the issue, then what is the point of having any further dialogue with India?
7. In a deadlock of the present peace talks, I fully realise that the only alternative will be for Nagas to UNITE and go back to war against India and Burma with the assistance of other nations. But won’t that be a far better option then the present trap into which India has trapped us by effectively dividing us into factions and are compelling us to fight among ourselves rather then with her? The Naga struggle for independence will have to go on until our freedom and liberty is finally achieved. In that struggle, let us remember that India and Burma are not the only two nations on earth. We can surely over rule their arrogant attitudes and stance with the assistance of other nations that are much more powerful then they.
In conclusion, pardon me for the very blunt and uncomfortable questions that I have posed to you. But please understand that my generation – your sons and daughters – have also suffered with you for the past half a century. Please therefore do not condemn us into a bloody civil war by compromising the sovereign independent status of Nagaland at the end of 60 years of blood and tears. After all, all those sacrifices were freely given by our own kith and kin so that Nagaland can become a nation among the nations.
KUKNALIM
‘Communalism against Kuki people reached its zenith’ Morung Express
Dimapur, July 16 (MExN): The Kuki National Organization (KNO) today came out strongly against the Manipur Government and said that communalism against the Kuki people in the state has reached its zenith and put the blame squarely on the Manipuri government and its functionaries.
A press release received here from the Kuki National Organization’s “under secretary” of Information and Publicity, Stephen Kuki, while making this allegation against the Manipur government, said that Seikhojang Haokip, “chief of army ataff and secretary-finance” of KNO was arrested by the Manipur Police commandos at Tulihal Airport, Imphal, on 14 July.
Stephen said that the arrested KNO official was on his way to Delhi to work out details of resolving the Kuki people’s political aspirations through dialogue with the Government of India.
However, in connection with the arrest of Seikhojang Haokip, Stephen alleged that the Manipur Government is being apathetic to KNO’s legitimate process to resolve the Kuki issue within the framework of the Indian Constitution and added that the central government’s hands appear to be tied on the same legal bind of law and order being a state subject, Stephen stated.
Stephen alleged that the centre and the state government and the centre is unable to exercise authority to appreciate KNO’s basis of seeking solution in an amicable context and therefore activate appropriate measures to secure the prompt release of Seikhojang Haokip before any damage was done. However, Stephen strongly lamented that much damage was done as the KNO’s “chief of armed staff” was severely tortured physically and humiliated by the Manipur Police.
“They have not demonstrated an iota of respect to a senior an eminent Kuki revolutionary leader. Why does this sort of discrimination prevail in Manipur?” said Stephen.
“This clearly shows that the Kuki people are deeply disadvantaged by the status quo” said Stephen and added that the confidence of KNO at the centre and state governments has further eroded. Stephen alleged that in sharp contrast to the treatment meted out to the Kuki outfit activist, every existing and relevant rule was manipulated so as to ensure that no physical harm was meted out to arrested Meitei activist by the Manipuri police.
“Not a single strand of hair of either of the two UNLF members apprehended was ruffled by the Manipur Police while in their custody,” Stephen strongly decried.
In this connection, Stephen summed up his words and said that the Kuki people victims of communalism simply because of the Manipur Government. “Communalism against the Kuki people in the existing state of Manipur has reached its zenith. It is a point reached, thanks to the government and its various functionaries, particularly the Manipur Police.”

Stephen said that any trace of physical and territorial integrity of the state of the so-called Manipur has been thoroughly stripped by the sheer lack of exercise in fairness and promoting emotional integrity as is evident by the alleged unfair and inhuman treatment meted out to Seikhojang Haokip, CAS of KNO, unlike the treatment meted out to other arrested Meitei dissenters.
“The biased treatment of KNO’s CAS by the Manipur Police and the inaction of the state government to immediately have him (Seikhojang Haokip) released highlight the inherent communal condition prevalent in the state of Manipur,” said Stephen and added that it convinces the Kukis more to expedite realisation of Zale’n-gam (freedom land) where the Kuki people may experience true and fair justice, live in peace and harmony and without any opportunity of being treated in a biased manner by other peoples ever again.
In this regard, Stephen said that the KNO is keeping constant vigil of each and every development concerning the manner of how Seikhojang Haokip is being handled by Manipur Police and the state government.
“Manipur may exist today as a political entity in the map of India, but the spirit that at one time bound the diverse peoples is positively dead” said Stephen.