The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has raised serious concerns with a recent “social media controversy” involving one Ashang Kasar, a Tangkhul Naga and stated that Naga youths will not remain silent against any threats directed at Naga individuals.
A release issued by signed president, MNYO Thotreingam stated the dissemination of a recent threat on social media, attributing actions and asserting that Nagas have no rightful claim to land in Manipur, is not just disturbing but profoundly unsettling, holding the potential to sow discord among the people. “This constitutes a blatant insult to the Naga community as a whole,” it stated.
“We urge Kuki elders to educate their younger generation on how they settled in this region by paying taxes to Nagas,” it mentioned. The Naga community holds proof and documented evidence supporting the historical presence, it stated.
“We staunchly advocate for calling a spade a spade, underscoring the critical importance of addressing issues with precision and sensitivity to prevent the perpetuation of misunderstandings and the reinforcement of damaging preconceived notions,” it mentioned.
Continuously aggravating these historical wounds with such statements is unwise, it added.
“We sternly caution our esteemed Kuki brethren to take heed, as Naga youth will not remain silent against any threats directed at Naga individuals. Kuki intellectuals must actively combat such threats in their society to avert a repetition of past occurrences,” it further stated.
Concerning a video posted on the ‘Kukiland’ page in March 2020, titled ‘Statue of Tangkhul-Naga Depicting Their Slavery Under Kuki’s,’ MNYO stated that the seven-pillar statue at the Heritage site symbolises unity among the various clans of Shirui Village, and any misrepresentation is not just regrettable but unacceptable.
“Such acts are perceived as an attempt to provoke a dormant situation, and our past silence should not be misconstrued as permanence,” it mentioned. It further urged to engage in a robust and constructive dialogue that not only builds bridges but dismantles walls, thereby avoiding harm and dispelling unfounded assumptions. In these critical times, it is absolutely imperative to underscore the paramount importance of cultivating unwavering understanding, respect, and unity for the sake of the collective well-being, it added.
