Women’s team visit Naga villages
Dimapur | May 4: Despite what was termed as “State belligerence as well as protests” in the midst of the tension surrounding the proposed visit of NSCN/GPRN general secretary, Th. Muivah to the Naga Hills of Manipur, two women activists from
Delhi and Mumbai testified that they could “hear voices of peace in the Naga Hills of Manipur”. Bela Bhatia, writer and Human Rights activist and Vani Subramanian, film-maker and women’s rights’ activist today issued a statement giving first account of their visit to two Naga villages closest to the border, Mao and Tadubi.
According to the duo, they visited the area to assess the situation. Giving an account of their journey, it was informed that en-route they saw the smouldering remains of four trucks burnt in the middle of the highway last night. “So far no group has claimed responsibility, but they remain disturbing evidence of mounting tensions in the area”, the two stated. Like many others, the duo was also stopped at Mao Gate, the border between Nagaland and Manipur by the Manipur State Police who said that they had orders not to allow ‘any media’ into the state. However, after further telephone communication with their officers they decided to allow the women team entry for a short while.
As they reached the village centre in both Mao and Tadubi, they witnessed impressive gatherings of thousands of Mao Naga women in traditional black and red shawls, of all ages, many with children, from as many as 22 surrounding villages, gathered in silent protest. “On the face of it these were ‘silent’ protests but not if you read the scores of placards that the women were carrying: ‘Muivah has a right to visit his birthplace’, ‘Respect Indo-Naga peace process,’ ‘Down with the Ibobi government’, ‘Nagas are one’, ‘No more militarization’, ‘We want peaceful co-existence’, ‘Do not provoke peace.’
“Why have curfew and Section 144 been imposed? There was no turmoil here, no reaction, even after they pulled down our traditional ceremonial gate welcoming our leader,” said one Naga mother, according to the visiting women’s team. Another asked: “Why have they deployed so many forces here, more than ever in the last three decades?” Other sentiments expressed by the men at the protest included: “It is unconstitutional and undemocratic to not allow a citizen entry to his home.” “Our future is threatened.” “Such actions of the government of Manipur are going to cause ethnic clashes.”
Naga women appeal for lifting of ban
Dimapur, May 4: The Naga Mothers’ Association and the Tenyimi Women Organization have jointly appealed to Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat to intervene in “the present crisis of the impending visit” of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th.Muivah to his hometown in Ukhrul district. The governor is appealed to, to immediately lift the ban imposed on Muivah by the Manipur government from entering the state.
“As mothers who long for peace, we are deeply concerned about the militarization of the Naga-inhabited areas and the imposition of Cr Pc 144 which has traumatized the lives of women and children and Naga people as a whole,” said a joint representation to Governor Jagat from the NMA and the TWO.
“We strongly appeal to Your Excellency for the immediate lifting of the ban for his entry into his native village as well as the unwarranted imposition of Cr Pc 144 which is a violation of the people’s rights and ensure safe passage for the visit of the Naga leader in the interest of ushering peace in the region,” the two organizations stated.
Manipur Cabinet hardens its stand
Imphal, May 4 (NNN): Reaffirming its earlier stand on NSCN-IM leader Thuigaleng Muivah’s visit to Manipur, the Manipur cabinet on Tuesday informed that security measures have been tightened at vulnerable areas where there are entry points. Minister of IFCD, Youth Affairs & Sports N. Biren informed this to media persons after two rounds of Manipur cabinet meetings held today in this regard.
The minister said that in view of the likelihood of unwanted incidents occurring due to Th Muivah’s visit to Manipur, the state’s cabinet took the stand to strongly oppose and object to Th. Muivah’s visit to his native hometown and other areas in the state. Biren also said that the state government has ordered the chief secretary of Manipur to send a missive, right after the cabinet meeting, to the Union Home Ministry urging a stop to Muivah’s proposed visit to Manipur.
Unrest continues into Tuesday
Kohima/Dimapur | May 4: Tuesday in the Nagaland-Manipur border areas was one of unrest and simmering tension as reactions converged against the ban clamped by the Manipur government on NSCN/GPRN general secretary Th. Muivah from visiting his native village. Situation is understood to be tense in the Mao-Gate areas at the border as various untoward events unfolded Tuesday.
CrPC 144 has been clamped in Ukhrul and Senapati district. Media persons who visited the area today said tension is on high after several Manipur-bound trucks were set on fire by unidentified persons while this morning Manipur police commandoes reportedly destroyed banners welcoming Th. Muivah. Also, the Naga Students’ Federation has served a deadline to the Manipur government to extend an unconditional apology or face an indefinite bandh starting tonight.
Women organizations from the Mao-Gate and Tadubi village areas took out a silent procession from 8 AM. They demanded lifting the curfew and 144 CrPC clamped over the area — a part of the Manipur government’s decision to prevent the Naga underground leader from visiting his native village in Ukhrul, Manipur. While the curfew is said to have been relaxed, the situation is still tense.
Media persons who visited Mao-Gate – a border outpost into Manipur state – were prevented by Manipur security personnel from moving beyond. However, following some frantic parleys media persons were allowed to move through. It was learned that Manipur police commandoes had destroyed banners rigged up by the Naga community welcoming Muivah.
Also compelled by the situation, there are about 16 Manipur-bound trucks stranded along the Visema and Khuzuma stretch, about seven kilometers from Mao-Gate. Around 11:30 PM Monday night, 6 essential-goods’ carriers were set afire by unidentified miscreants. The trucks were carrying construction materials. The perpetrators of the arson remain unknown and untraced. No casualties have been reported.
NSF ultimatum to Manipur government
Tense events continue to unfold. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) this evening reportedly served an ultimatum to the Government of Manipur. NSF leaders met with the media this evening in Kohima.
The Manipur government is demanded to extend an unconditional apology to the NSF and for preventing the Naga students’ leaders, face an indefinite ban on all Manipur vehicles.
The NSF has clamped an indefinite ban starting midnight May 4 on any vehicle coming from Manipur to Nagaland. The NSF is irked that Manipur security forces personnel block NSF leaders crossing the Mao-Gate on Monday. The NSF leaders on Monday tried to cross the Mao Gate but the security forces personnel manning the border refused permission to the students’ leaders.
The security forces mostly of the Manipur police commandos and IRB personnel have been manning the border area along the National Highway 39 to prevent NSCN-IM general secretary Thuigaleng Muivah from visiting his native village Somdal in Ukhrul, Manipur. The Manipur Cabinet has re-affirmed on Tuesday regarding its earlier decision to prevent Th Muivah entering Manipur.
