Imphal, July 18: The Imphal Naga Forum (INF) organized a special day-long mega consultative meeting on July 17th at the conference hall of Tangkhul Baptist Church, Imphal. The meeting brought together Naga Church leaders, ordained ministers, social activists, bureaucrats, students, research scholars, intellectuals, and college professors to address and deliberate on the current ethnic upheaval in Manipur. Representatives from various churches and Naga tribes attended the gathering to assess, analyze, and introspect on the ongoing violent ethnic unrest in the state.
Moderated by the well-known professor Dr. Chance Raman, the meeting commenced with a welcome address by Ambition Anth, Convenor of the Imphal Naga Forum. Distinguished Nagas from various walks of life addressed the audience, aiming to find a way out of the ongoing ethnic turmoil that affects every ethnic group in the state. Notable speakers included Dr. V Nelson, Director of CHSRC, Ukhrul; Dr. Benjamin Gangmei, Associate Professor at United College, Chandel; Reverend Simon Raomai, President of AMCO and former UNC President G Gaingam; veteran journalist Valleyrose Hungyo; and Ningam Siro (retd MPS), former SP of Kamjong District.
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The keynote address was delivered by Ashang Kasar, a prominent TV figure in the Naga community in Manipur. He reminded the audience that the Nagas are at the receiving end of the conflict and urged them to come out of their neutrality and assert their constitutional rights. The congregation was also treated to a musical performance by Ungrumso Raman, MBC Choir Director, and his team.
The assembly of top Naga Christian leaders and intellectuals condemned the desecration and burning down of 500 churches belonging to Kuki, Naga, and Meitei communities. They also shared the pain and suffering of the family of the late MS Merangir, who was brutally tortured to death by armed miscreants on July 15, 2024.
An interactive session followed, featuring valuable insights from eminent Naga intellectuals Jangamlung Panmei and Madam Ashin Panmei. Senior Pastor Rev. Timothy Phaomei of Namdulong Baptist Church led the congregation in an intercessory prayer.
The meeting also deliberated on the recent excommunication and expulsion of fellow Nagas, including the MP from Outer Manipur, from the Naga fraternity. The resolution disallows these individuals from holding any public platforms, leadership positions, or posts in Naga society for seven years. The INF decided to make a passionate appeal to the UNC to recall, recant, revoke, and withdraw this resolution from its emergency meeting on May 29, 2024, at Chandel.
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Additionally, the meet called for the empowerment of hill people by extending the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution or devolution of Article 371C. They suggested referring this special provision exclusively for hill people in Manipur to the Law Commission of India for reform and strengthening.
The INF said it submitted a representation to the Governor of Manipur, signed by its Convenor and the General Secretary, calling for the early restoration of peace, equanimity, normalcy, and serenity in the state. The violent ethnic conflict has destroyed lives and properties, rendering more than 60,000 people homeless.