IMPHAL, May 4 � Denouncing the Manipur Government�s decision to prevent National Socialist Council of Nagalim(IM)�s General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah�s visit to his native Somdal village in Ukhrul district, Nagas in Manipur�s Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts defying prohibitory orders staged sit-in demonstrations and protest rallies at the district headquarters today.
Manipur Chief Minister chaired Cabinet meeting on April 30 last had decided not to allow NSCN-IM leader�s proposed visit from May 3-10 fearing disturbance in peaceful coexistence of the communities.
The demonstrators at the district headquarters displayed placards reading �Nagas are one�, �Down with Ibobi Government�, �Don�t divide Nagas�, sources said. Protesting the Cabinet decision and shouting anti-government slogans, thousands of Nagas had staged a protest rally in the district headquarter on Sunday night also.
The Senapati district administration had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr Pc since Sunday night and at Ukhrul from Monday to avoid any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, Naga frontal organisations have sought Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh�s intervention into the ongoing impasse over Muivah�s visit.
Nagaland-based Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students Federation, Naga People�s Movement for Human Rights in a joint ultimatum to the Prime Minister said, �If the visit of Muivah is not allowed to be taken up by the Manipur Government, it is our decision that the Manipur Government will be solely responsible for any consequences arising out of the situation�.
�If the Government of India cannot prevail over the Manipur Government to lift the ban on Muivah�s entry within 24 hours of the receipt of this ultimatum, we will have no option but to take any action that we will consider appropriate, it said.
The United Naga Council, Manipur in a representation to Prime Minister said the proposed visit is for making peace at the grass root, create better understanding and relationship with different communities.
Inspector General of Police Manipur V Zathang accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police of Imphal West district L Kailun have been camping since yesterday at Mao Gate in Senapati district bordering Nagaland to prevent Muivah�s entry. Another police team is reportedly camping at Jessami village, another entry point in Ukhrul district bordering Nagaland�s Phek district.
PTI adds: Defying the ban, Muivah is likely to begin his journey to Manipur tomorrow morning from Dimapur with members of Naga civil society organisations as escorts for a safe transit.
The Naga leader�s proposed visit to Somdal would be the first in four decades.
Meanwhile, Naga Students Federation (NSF) imposed an indefinite blockade on the movement of all vehicles bearing Manipur registration numbers in the Naga-inhabited areas of the region from this evening, NSF sources said. � PTI
