September 26, 2024: We, the Nagas, write this open letter to express our profound outrage and indignation at the relentless brutalities inflicted upon our people repeatedly. The latest victim, Mr. Wilubou Marenmai, a Zeliangrong Naga suffered unbearable torture at the hands of self-proclaimed UNLF members, highlighting the systemic persecution and intolerance we face.
The incident, which occurred on September 25, 2024, at 6 PM, near Sekmai LPG Gas Plant, has left us shaken and outraged. Mr. Marenmai, a driver of Thomson Gas Agency, Tamenglong district, was brutally beaten, leaving him with broken teeth and severe injuries. His only crime was being a Naga, wrongly accused of supplying arms and ammunition to Kuki militants. This heinous act demonstrates the escalating hostility and xenophobia toward Nagas.
The communal conflict between Meiteis and Kukis since May 3, 2023, has devastated Manipur. Amidst this chaos, Nagas have maintained neutrality, yet suffer at the hands of Meiteis. The torture inflicted by Meiteis is alarming, and we demand justice for these atrocities.
For centuries, Zeliangrong Nagas have rendered selfless services to Manipur without expectation of reward. Our contributions have been steadfast, yet we face repeated attacks rooted in misunderstandings. We have shared a rich history, with revered princes of Kangleipak, known to Shans as Kate or Kathay, Cacharis as Muglau, and Ahoms as Mikhali.
However, the current conflict has taken a devastating toll on our people. We demand recognition of our rights and dignity. Your aggression has disrupted our lives, causing fear and uncertainty. Our people are consistently targeted, and their rights disregarded.
We hold you accountable for the repeated violence and harassment against Nagas. Your actions have created an environment of hostility, forcing us to live in constant fear. We demand immediate cessation of violence and harassment, unconditional apology for past atrocities, justice for Mr. Marenmai and all other victims, and recognition of Nagas rights to self-determination and peaceful coexistence.
Furthermore, we reject your demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which is historically and legally unfounded. Meiteis have always been a dominant community, holding power and influence. This demand is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the rights of indigenous tribes, including Nagas.
The Meitei community's pursuit of Scheduled Tribe status is a misguided attempt to reclassify your social and economic standing. It is an insult to the genuine struggles of marginalized communities. We urge you to abandon this divisive demand and focus on promoting inclusivity and harmony.
If these atrocities continue, we will be forced to declare war against the Meitei community. We will not remain silent spectators to our own persecution. We will protect our people, land, and dignity at all costs.
We appeal to your sense of humanity and shared history. Let us rediscover our shared values and work towards harmony. We yearn for peace, but our resolve is clear: we will protect our people at all costs.
In conclusion, we urge you to cease hostilities and recognize our rights. We implore the State Government to ensure justice and protection and civil society organizations to promote dialogue and reconciliation.
We will no longer tolerate these atrocities. Our patience has worn thin. We demand action, not words.
~ Naga Community
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