“Will not tolerate acts of hatred and violence against Naga community,” says Naga Body

The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has declared that it will not tolerate any and all acts of hatred and violence against the Naga community.

A statement released by the organisation on Wednesday stated that the MNYO henceforth commits to vigilantly monitor the situation and take decisive actions whenever necessary.

In a resolute commitment to harmony and solidarity, MNYO issued a compelling call to the Meitei and Kuki communities, stressing the urgent need for unity in light of incidents targeting the Nagas in the region.

MNYO stated that a surge in ransom and assaults against the Naga community has prompted the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation to extend their heartfelt appeal to both the Meitei and Kuki communities. It also emphasizes the shared responsibility in safeguarding the cultural richness and diversity that forms the essence of Manipur's unique social fabric.

This call transcends ethnic lines, urging the youth from both the Meitei and Kuki communities to reflect on the profound consequences of intolerance and aggression, stated the release.

MNYO also stated that they firmly believe that forging a united front against all divisive forces is essential for peaceful coexistence that transcends ethnic boundaries.

Making it unequivocally clear that patience has its limits, MNYO further urges all communities to actively discourage actions that escalate tensions. Acts of violence and intimidation, irrespective of the targeted community, have no place in shaping Manipur's future, it added.

Adopting an impartial stance in the state conflict, the MNYO seeks to dispel misconceptions about its position being a sign of weakness. The impartial stance is a deliberate choice to create an environment where dialogue and understanding can flourish, laying the groundwork for a future that prioritizes shared values and mutual respect, the release stated.

In a stern message to those responsible for acts of hatred and violence, MNYO implores an immediate cessation of such actions. It further emphasized that these deeds not only defy humanity but also sow seeds of irreparable discord that can have long-lasting impact for all communities involved, it added.

Meanwhile, the Naga Women’s Union (NWU) emphasized that extortion and abductions are not signs of a civilized society. They urged all organized Naga civil societies to approach crimes against women more thoughtfully.

In their Thursday Press Release, the NWU highlighted the importance of acknowledging that women are not commodities to be compensated with money.

According to the NWU, the lasting solution lies in allowing judicial expedition and legally punishing offenders based on the severity of their crimes.

The NWU stressed, “It's crucial not to forget that something beneficial to one might harm another. Extortions and abductions are not indications of a civilized society.”

The unchecked prevalence of coercive behavior by armed miscreants, camouflaged as taxation in various parts of the state, amounts to nothing less than extortion in the current situation. This trend is leading Manipur into darker times, despite the efforts of those striving for peace.

Under the guise of the status quo, armed miscreants causing chaos in valleys and hills have targeted Naga women, physically harassing and abducting them to unknown locations, which is unacceptable to human rights agencies and global communities.

The NWU asserted that demands, threats, and ransom-based abductions of innocent civilians, especially women, constitute villainous acts that do not serve the larger aspirations of the state and the nation.

Cautioning against the repercussions, the NWU stated, “When our tolerance exceeds limits, remember that actions happening locally can spread globally within seconds.”

Condemning armed miscreants operating in groups or units, the NWU indicated a serious and unwarranted path to calamitous doom for Manipur.

Urging an immediate end to these human rights breaches, they emphasized, “Our silence doesn't indicate weakness. Interfering with work, threatening self-esteem, and impacting mental health are punishable under certain sections of the IPC,” the release stated.

Furthermore, they highlighted, “When our tolerance exceeds limits, remember that actions happening locally can spread globally within seconds.”

Acknowledging the Nagas' long-time accommodation amid confrontations, the NWU warned about the costly repercussions of involving women in conflicts.