Naga talks won't hurt sentiments of Manipuri people: Meghen

Moreh, Nov 30
Believing that the ongoing Naga peace talks will not hurt the sentiments of the people of Manipur, United National Liberation Front (UNLF) former chief Rajkumar Meghen alias Sanayaima, said that he has full faith in the Centre over the ongoing Naga peace talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).
Speaking with EastMojo, Meghen, who reached Manipur on Thursday after a gap of 44 years said that the people in the state are apprehensive about the prevailing Naga talks with the Centre that might affect the overall integrity of the state.
“It’s a matter of the Government of India and the Nagas. And of course people of Manipur have all the reasons to be very sensitive about the talks because people are apprehensive that the agreement with the NSCN-IM and other Naga organisations may affect Manipur’s overall integrity,” said Meghen.
When asked what will be his future steps if the final settlement of the Nagas, which is reportedly on a verge to sign the deal compromises the territorial integrity of Manipur, the former rebel leader said: “I don’t think that is a hypothesis because the Govern- ment of India will never do anything that compromises the overall integrity of Manipur.”
“I also understand that the Government of India is led by matured people. So any leader who is in their senses will never do that,” he added.
The arrival of the 75-year-old leader, popularly known as Sanayaima or ‘son of the soil’, in the region is being widely looked as a crucial development and since he is fairly popular in the Imphal Valley, as per sources, the authorities may want to get him on board on certain decisions regarding the Naga Peace Accord.
On a lighter note, the 75-year-old former rebel leader, who came home as a free man after serving 10 years in Guwahati Central Jail, disclosed that he wished to taste his favourite dishes during his stay at home.
“My favourite dishes are iromba (Manipuri traditional chutney and kangshoi (stew). And I am looking forward to tasting it soon,” added Meghen.
In 2010, Meghen was arrested in Bangladesh and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) booked him for ‘waging war against the country’ under sections 120 (B) of the IPC, 121, 121 (A), 122 of the IPC and 16, 17, 18, 18 (A), 18 (B) & 20 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 as amended in 2008.
EastMojo