NWU protests against ‘unabated assault’

Imphal, September 9, 2014 (NNN): The Naga Women Union (NWU) sponsored sit-in protests were held today in the district headquarters of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati from 11 am to 1 pm to register their strong protest against the ‘unabated assault’ on the rights of the Naga people and tribals by the Government of Manipur with the ‘sole motive’ of keeping them under perpetual suppression.

Today’s protestors demanded the immediate intervention by the Prime Minister of India for the ceassation of militarisation of Naga areas. The protestors demanded expediting the Indo-Naga peace process for an acceptable and honourable settlement. The protestors also demanded taking forward the tripartite talk process for alternative arrangement, pending final settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and for ensuring that the Government of Manipur does not subvert the Constitutional rights and protections of the tribals and Nagas in all spheres-educational, employment, ownership of land and natural resources, development opportunities etc.

The NWU also expressed concern on the claims of Manipur Government and also by Ceasefire Monitoring Group chairman NK Singh that the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM is limited only in Nagaland. The NWU also expressed resentment against the statement of Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on Independence Day that the Alternative Arrangement demanded by the United Naga Council (UNC) for the Nagas of Manipur is next to impossible. The NWU criticised the Manipur Government’s move to implement New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in Manipur. It said the Manipur Government’s intention is to dilute the land ownership of the tribal people. The NWU also pointed out that 120 villages in Senapati district under Saukul have been included under Imphal and Thoubal district police stations to dilute the distinct district boundaries.

The Naga Women Union also alleged that Manipur Government has been formulating various rules regarding land to grab the tribal peoples’ lands.

Naga women of Chandel district under the aegis of the Naga Women Union Chandel (NWUC) staged a sit in protest at Liwachangning village in Chandel district today.

The protest was organized as part of the State wide protest called by the Naga Women Union in all Naga district headquarters.

Since 11 in the morning, a large number of women from different Naga tribes of the district staged the protest by holding several banners and placards inscribed with the words - “Stop militarisation and suppression of the Nagas”, Respect our rights and dignity”, “Honour Indo-Naga ceasefire”, “Expedite Indo-Naga talk” etc.

Source: The Sangai Express