IMPHAL: Amidst the persistent unrest that has gripped Manipur for the past three months, thousands of Nagas residing in the state joined rallies across their inhabited areas urging for a successful conclusion to the peace talks between the Centre and Naga groups within the Framework Agreement.
These rallies were held in districts such as Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Chandel, amplifying the plea for peaceful resolution amid security measures.
The United Naga Council (UNC) also presented a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Senapati Deputy Commissioner, stating that the Naga national flag and constitution should be an integral part of shared sovereignty, in accordance with the Framework Agreement.
“We call upon the Government of India to honour the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit by accepting the universal fact that sovereignty lies with people and by extension, that the Naga national flag and Constitution must be an integral part of the shared sovereignty,” read the memorandum.
Over the years, the Naga peace talks have faced challenges due to National Socialist Council of Nagalim – Isak Muivah’s (NSCN-IM) demands for a separate Naga flag and Constitution.
The UNC also emphasised that the “Naga areas” must remain untouched while addressing other community appeals, warning of potential violence. The memorandum warned that “such misadventures will have serious ramifications that will provoke further senseless violence…”
The Naga-inhabited hill areas, constituting a significant portion of Manipur’s geography, witnessed these rallies as a collective step towards achieving lasting peace.
