NSCN-IM has condemned the eight Naga MLAs of Manipur for joining 32 Meitei MLAs in signing a representation submitted to the Prime Minister of India. Calling them “spineless MLAs”, NSCN-IM said that they were treading on “treacherous ground” on the issue that has nothing to do with the political aspirations of the Naga people.

“NSCN found their act shocking and weird as their representation to the Prime Minister is in totality against the voice of the Naga people demanding early implementation of Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 to meet the political right and legitimate aspiration of Naga people”, it stated.

NSCN-IM slammed the MLAs as people who do not know “who they are and who they represent in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.”

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The eight Naga MLAs who were part of the representation are Dinganglung Gangmei, BJP MLA from Nungba constituency; K. Jumo Sha, an Independent from the Karong constituency; Janghemlung Panmei, NPP MLA from Tamenglong; Ram Muivah, NPF MLA from Ukhrul; Awangbow Newmai, NPF MLA from Tamei; Khashim Vashum, NPF MLA from Chingai; Leishio Keishing, NPF MLA from Phungyar; S.S. Olish, BJP MLA from Chandel.

In the representation, the 40 Manipur MLAs had appealed for total disarmament of the insurgent groups and illegal armed foreign forces. It stated that “simple deployment” of security forces would be “adequate” and stressed that “the Assam Rifles (9, 22 and 37) need to be transferred from their present location of deployment”.

They also urged the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with insurgent groups at the earliest.

“The issue must be addressed POLITICALLY in order to resolve this crisis of conflict”, the MLAs stated and asked that National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) be implemented in Manipur.

It further underscored that ‘separate administration’ as demanded by the ITLF/Kukis was “absolutely unacceptable” while also asking for strengthening of Autonomous District Council (ADC), and conduct of regular elections to Hill Area Committee (HAC) and the six existing ADCs.

Lastly, it mentioned that peace talks should be initiated to deliver a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis.

It may be mentioned that the United Naga Council (UNC) had disowned the eight Naga MLAs on the issue. The apex body representing 20 Naga tribes of Manipur stated that it was “devastated” at the development.

“…. their signatures do not carry the collective aspiration and sentiments of the Nagas and hence disown their representation”, UNC had expressed.