IMPHAL, Sept 9 � The Naga Women Union (NWU)-sponsored sit-in dharnas were held today in the district headquarters of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati from 11 am to 1 pm to register their strong protest against the �unabated assault� on the rights of the Naga people and tribals by the Government of Manipur with the �sole motive� of keeping them under perpetual suppression.
The protesters, who demanded the immediate intervention of the Prime Minister for the cessation of Naga areas, urged expediting the Indo-Naga peace process for an acceptable and honourable settlement.
The protestors also demanded taking forward the tripartite talk process for an alternative arrangement, pending settlement of Indo-Naga issue and ensuring that the Government of Manipur does not subvert the constitutional rights and protections of the tribals and Nagas in all spheres � educational, employment, ownership of land and natural resources, development opportunities, etc.
The NWU also expressed concern over the claims of the Manipur government and also by Ceasefire Monitoring Group Chairman NK Singh that the ceasefire with the NSCN-IM is limited to only Nagaland.
The NWU expressed resentment over the statement of Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on Independence Day that the alternative arrangement demanded by the United Naga Council (UNC) for the Nagas of Manipur is next to impossible and criticised the Manipur government�s move to implement New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in Manipur.
It said the Manipur government�s intention is to dilute the land ownership of the tribal people. The NWU also pointed out that 120 villages from Senapati district under Saukul have been included under Imphal and Thoubal district police stations to dilute the distinct district boundaries. The Naga Women Union also alleged that the Manipur government has been formulating various rules regarding lands to grab the tribal peoples� lands.
