The possibility of Nagas getting their demand for amalgamation of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is remote. They have understood the impracticality of creating land on communal line. Yet they are keeping the issue alive, because they consider it as a big tool for playing larger political game in NE region. Nagaland Chief Minister has widened his political fortune banked on the irresponsibly coined demand. Union Government having felt the stiff and stingy challenge thrown by NE region particularly Manipur will think several times before fulfilling the irresponsible demand. In the event of Union Government succumbing to the pressure unleashed by a section of the Nagas for expansion of Nagaland, what should the civil societies do to protect territorial integrity of the state? Our direct answer will be we have a Government, whose roles cannot be sidelined. When India is attacked by a hostile nation the first reaction that ought to be reflected must come from the Government not from the civil organisations. Naturally when Manipur is attacked by neighbouring state the first duty of the Government is to react. Our Government should show that it is existing for the masses and it will do what is required to keep the state alive. The Union Government understands the complex situation prevailing in Manipur. Moreover almost all the political parties existing in the country have taken the pledge to protect territorial boundary of Manipur in particular and other states in NE region. If they did not understand the complex situation they would have gone out against the decent norms and carry out whatever they felt is right. We had had the Prime Minister, who could talk openly of bringing all the states in NE region under one administrative unit. Such Government did not last long. Naga territory expansion might have remained as non issue if the NSCN and the Union Government peace talk did not come up. The demand though kept at abeyance is kicking as the NSCN is engaged in peace talk. Both national and regional parties functioning in Manipur have a big role to play in making the Union Government realise that territorial issue is not a plaything. Those at the helms of affairs at the centre have understood seriousness of the issue. But these leaders like other mortals have short-lived political career hence the need for making relentless efforts to keep territorial integrity intact. Manipur is a small state and the majority community is Meitei. Majority community should be able to make sacrifices to keep all united. Tribal hospitality is great, which needs to be returned in equal measure. In doing that cultural and emotional integrity of all will be established. However the Union Government stands warned that Manipur and its people will defy all decencies and take side with the extreme elements to protect the integrity of the land. The extreme step includes all that is uttered by civil organisations based in Manipur.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/what-should-we-do/
