Discovering North East India
Location
North-East India lie deep in the lap of easternmost Himalayan hills in north-eastern part of India. Connected to rest of India by merely 20 km of wide land (at Siliguri, West Bengal), the North-East India shares over 2,000 km of border with Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
States under North East India.
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Assam
3. Meghalaya
4. Mizoram
5. Manipur
6. Nagaland
7. Sikkim
8. Tripura
Area: 2,55168 sq km
Population: 40 million. Brahmaputra valley (Assam) is the most populated, and houses almost half of the population of North-East India.
Religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism.
Languages: English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), Hindi and several other local dialects.
Cultures and Traditions
The North-East India is home to varied number of tribal groups (almost 166). Each tribes has their own distinct culture, which gives them a unique cultural identity. Numerous of art forms and festivals of the region are intrinsic part of its rich culture and tradition of North-East India.
Cuisine
Though North-East India is very rich in its food culture, yet, it differs vastly from rest of the country in its taste as well as flavours. Each of states have almost same fooding behaviours. Normally, inhabitants of the region are non-vegetarian, and fond of spicy foods.
In most part of North-East India, animals are considered to be good diet. In Nagaland, Green vegetables, birds, animals (Domestic and wild) Bamboo shots and Locally made Rice-beer are some favourite items. In Tripura and Assam, fish are the favourite dish. While in Assam, various forms of rice are consumed. Recipes like Assam Laksa Stock, Koat Pitha, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Fish Fried Rice, Grilled Shrimps and Poora Mach are some of the most famous cuisine of North-East India.
Geographical attractions
Shrouded by mighty Himalayan hills, the entire North-East region is believed to be one of the most beautiful region in South Asia in terms of fetching immense opportunities of eco-tourism. The dense forests lying in foothills of Himalayan hills are stunning in their natural beauty, and are home to many of wildlife parks including Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park, which are natural World Heritage Site. Besides, numerous of lovely waterfalls and caves are another beautiful attraction of the wonderful land of North-East India.
Termed aptly as hidden treasure of India, North-East India is one of the most significant region of South-Asia in terms of availability of eco tourism opportunities. As the whole region is abode to majestic Himalayan hills, beautiful valleys and dense forests, the opportunity of nature based tourism is immense. Abundance of eco activities like Trekking, Rafting, Nature Walk, Jungle Exploration and Wildlife Viewing indulge tourists predominantly in discovering the exquisite natural heritage of the region.
Problems and issues.
Northeastern region of India is home to many ethnic groups. These ethnic groups spread across India and Myanmar. There are as many as 40 armed groups fighting for Independence, Statehood, Autonomy and districts.The inter Tribal conflicts, boundary disputes, Tribal and non-Tribal issues, lack of developments and Employment problems are some major issues confronting the Region.
The States/Provinces like Sikkim, Mizoram and Nagaland are more peaceful than the other States of the region in terms of external threats, internal conflicts, terror threats and insurgency problems.
Tips for Tourists
While traveling to North-Eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, Tourist doesn’t require any permits for visits except that you need to register upon your arrival and departure. However, due to strategic geographical location, Tourist needs to acquire Restricted Area Permits while entering other North-Eastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Word and Meaning of 'NAGA'
Nagaland State lies between 26’ 60' and 27’ 40' latitude North of Equator and between the Longitudinal lines 93’ 20'E and 95’ 15'E having an area of 18,400 square Kms. The State is situated in the North Eastern part of India. The State shares its boundary with Assam in north and west; Arunachal and Myanmar in East, and Manipur in South.
The Nagas belongs to Mongolian tribe and more than 50 Naga tribes are living in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal and Myanmar.
THE WORD 'NAGA'
The Nagas did not call themselves as 'Nagas'. It was outsiders who give them the name 'NAGA'.
The name NAGA is believed to have been derived from following words.
i) NANGRA - a Kachari word which means, 'A YOUNG WARRIOR.
ii) NAGNA - a Sanskrit word, 'NAKED.
iii) NANGA - a Hindustani word, 'NAKED.
iv) NOGA - Assamese word, NAKED or NEWMAN.
v) NAGA - SNAKE OR KING SNAKES. Nagas are fond of eating Snakes
vi) NAG - Sanskrit word HILL & NAGA meaning, HILLMAN.
vii) NAKA - Burmese word, EARRING and people wears earring or Pierce
their EARLOBES are known as NAKAS. It later changed into English
phonetic, 'NAGA'.
The use of NAGA dated back to 150 AD, when Greek Scholar, Claudius Ptolemy referred in his writting, NAGA-LOGOI. The word mentioning NAGA can also be found in the history of the Kings of Assam written by the Assamese Borunjis, beginning from 13th century. It was long before the
Bangalees or Hindustani people came in contact with the Nagas.
Therefore, it is likely that the word NAGA had been given by the Assamese who are close to Nagas than any other people.
Many eminent Historians from Europe, China and Assam wrote about the Nagas where they referred the Nagas as people living in between Brahmaputra River and Chinwing River.
SOME IMPORTANT BOOKS ON NAGAS
i) A Corner in India - M.M CLARK, 19O7
ii) The Rengma Nagas - J.P MILLS, 1937
iii) The Ao Nagas - J.P MILLS 1926
iv) The Sema Nagas - J.H HUTTON, 1922
v) The Angami Nagas - J.H HUTTON 1921
vi) The Nagas - FRANCIS JENKINS, 1836
Vii) The Nagas: India’s problems or the World – Rev. Michael Scott
viii) Conflict in Nagaland – V.K ANAND
ix) Naga Hills and Manipur – B.C ALLEN 1905
x) The World of Nagas – M. RAMUNNY 1988
The Nagas belongs to Mongolian tribe and more than 50 Naga tribes are living in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal and Myanmar.
THE WORD 'NAGA'
The Nagas did not call themselves as 'Nagas'. It was outsiders who give them the name 'NAGA'.
The name NAGA is believed to have been derived from following words.
i) NANGRA - a Kachari word which means, 'A YOUNG WARRIOR.
ii) NAGNA - a Sanskrit word, 'NAKED.
iii) NANGA - a Hindustani word, 'NAKED.
iv) NOGA - Assamese word, NAKED or NEWMAN.
v) NAGA - SNAKE OR KING SNAKES. Nagas are fond of eating Snakes
vi) NAG - Sanskrit word HILL & NAGA meaning, HILLMAN.
vii) NAKA - Burmese word, EARRING and people wears earring or Pierce
their EARLOBES are known as NAKAS. It later changed into English
phonetic, 'NAGA'.
The use of NAGA dated back to 150 AD, when Greek Scholar, Claudius Ptolemy referred in his writting, NAGA-LOGOI. The word mentioning NAGA can also be found in the history of the Kings of Assam written by the Assamese Borunjis, beginning from 13th century. It was long before the
Bangalees or Hindustani people came in contact with the Nagas.
Therefore, it is likely that the word NAGA had been given by the Assamese who are close to Nagas than any other people.
Many eminent Historians from Europe, China and Assam wrote about the Nagas where they referred the Nagas as people living in between Brahmaputra River and Chinwing River.
SOME IMPORTANT BOOKS ON NAGAS
i) A Corner in India - M.M CLARK, 19O7
ii) The Rengma Nagas - J.P MILLS, 1937
iii) The Ao Nagas - J.P MILLS 1926
iv) The Sema Nagas - J.H HUTTON, 1922
v) The Angami Nagas - J.H HUTTON 1921
vi) The Nagas - FRANCIS JENKINS, 1836
Vii) The Nagas: India’s problems or the World – Rev. Michael Scott
viii) Conflict in Nagaland – V.K ANAND
ix) Naga Hills and Manipur – B.C ALLEN 1905
x) The World of Nagas – M. RAMUNNY 1988
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Purest form of democracy practiced by Naga Society
Purest form of democracy practiced by Naga Society
(The unique Naga Customs and Traditions)
The administration and governance system of the Nagas were unique in nature since time immemorial. At no point of time were the Nagas conquered nor subjected to any authority. Therefore, the origin of the systems practiced by the Nagas were evolved with time or borrowed from somewhere was not known. Every village was ruled by the headman/King of the village. Animism was the religion practised by the Nagas. While the main occupation was Agricultrual.
The Headman/King can be best described as Priest because headman's powers & functions were restricted to Religious and ceremonial activities. ( like Queen/King of UK and the President of India) All the Villages were sovereign Republic and there was no common government or authority above Villages.
One of the most important and peculiar social system of the Nagas was they co-existed harmoniously where the bigger or superior villages discriminating or enslaving the smaller villages or vice-versa never existed.
The harshest punishment/highest degree of punishment involving the justice system of the Naga Customary law was banishment from village for ten years. This shows the Nagas were peace loving and Humane in nature.
The administration & governance of the village rest with the Representatives/leaders elected/selected from every Clan. The Clans will select one member amongst themselves and the elected members from every Clan will collectively make laws, decide disputes and look after the entire administration & governance of the village under the headman. Those elected leaders usually sits together every evening after returning from their cultivation fields. The headman/priest will not involve in decision making or meetings but the village leaders are duty bound to informed/briefed him on any activities. Any decision taken by the village leaders will be consensus or on the basis of the Majority opinion. The general meetings were also convened when
important decisions are to be taken. Thus, the Nagas practised purest form of democracy since time immemorial.
(The unique Naga Customs and Traditions)
The administration and governance system of the Nagas were unique in nature since time immemorial. At no point of time were the Nagas conquered nor subjected to any authority. Therefore, the origin of the systems practiced by the Nagas were evolved with time or borrowed from somewhere was not known. Every village was ruled by the headman/King of the village. Animism was the religion practised by the Nagas. While the main occupation was Agricultrual.
The Headman/King can be best described as Priest because headman's powers & functions were restricted to Religious and ceremonial activities. ( like Queen/King of UK and the President of India) All the Villages were sovereign Republic and there was no common government or authority above Villages.
One of the most important and peculiar social system of the Nagas was they co-existed harmoniously where the bigger or superior villages discriminating or enslaving the smaller villages or vice-versa never existed.
The harshest punishment/highest degree of punishment involving the justice system of the Naga Customary law was banishment from village for ten years. This shows the Nagas were peace loving and Humane in nature.
The administration & governance of the village rest with the Representatives/leaders elected/selected from every Clan. The Clans will select one member amongst themselves and the elected members from every Clan will collectively make laws, decide disputes and look after the entire administration & governance of the village under the headman. Those elected leaders usually sits together every evening after returning from their cultivation fields. The headman/priest will not involve in decision making or meetings but the village leaders are duty bound to informed/briefed him on any activities. Any decision taken by the village leaders will be consensus or on the basis of the Majority opinion. The general meetings were also convened when
important decisions are to be taken. Thus, the Nagas practised purest form of democracy since time immemorial.
The headman/priest plays very important role in day to day live. Few example; it was taboo to plant or to reap the crops before the headman finished the rituals. It was taboo to eat or drink anything before the Priest during some festivals and important occasions.
Anybody who went for hunting or fishing will offered the best portion to Priest. It was taboo to clear jungles for cultivations before the Priest performed rituals.
The Nagas are rich in cultures and traditions. They have more than 10 festivals in a calender year. Performing various Religious rituals like giving thanks, ask for blessings etc. from their deity/god by the priest alone or by the entire villagers were very common feature of their daily life. Therefore, the Priest were considered as the father of the village. So also, there used to be Religious activities throughout the year without break, and the
rituals cannot be performed without the Priest.
The unwritten customary laws (now available in written) are still practised by the Nagas. The special provision in respect to Nagaland was incorporated under Article 371 (A) of the India Constitution,
which reads as follow; Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,- (a) no Act of Parliament in respect of-
(i) religious or social practices of the Nagas,
(ii) Naga customary law and procedure,
(iii) administration of Civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law,
(iv) ownership and transfer of land and its resources,
Shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.
Anybody who went for hunting or fishing will offered the best portion to Priest. It was taboo to clear jungles for cultivations before the Priest performed rituals.
The Nagas are rich in cultures and traditions. They have more than 10 festivals in a calender year. Performing various Religious rituals like giving thanks, ask for blessings etc. from their deity/god by the priest alone or by the entire villagers were very common feature of their daily life. Therefore, the Priest were considered as the father of the village. So also, there used to be Religious activities throughout the year without break, and the
rituals cannot be performed without the Priest.
The unwritten customary laws (now available in written) are still practised by the Nagas. The special provision in respect to Nagaland was incorporated under Article 371 (A) of the India Constitution,
which reads as follow; Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,- (a) no Act of Parliament in respect of-
(i) religious or social practices of the Nagas,
(ii) Naga customary law and procedure,
(iii) administration of Civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law,
(iv) ownership and transfer of land and its resources,
Shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.
The social systems like class, caste, zamindari, discrimination etc never existed in Naga society. Every individual owns properties and lands sufficient to feed their families. Nagas were living peacefully before the advent of Britishers. Today, the Naga society is plagued with all sorts of corruptions and anti-socials which were alien to them some 200 years back.
The core issues between Manipur government and the Nagas of Manipur
The core issues between Manipur government and the Nagas of Manipur
Since time immemorial Nagas were one people, one culture and one nation; free, sovereign and self contained. The British Empire unsuccessfully tried to conquer the Naga territory. Lord Dalhousie's
policy toward the Nagas was – "Allow the Nagas to exterminate themselves so as to create a buffer zone of no man's land between British India and British Burma." (Delhi Archive).
Sir Robert Raid, a political agent in Manipur, who later on became the Governor of Assam stated –
"The Nagas are not Indian in any sense of the word, neither in origin, nor in language nor in appearance nor in habit nor in outlook."
Mahatma Gandhiji, the father of the Indian nation categorically told the NNC Leaders on July 19, 1947 during their meeting at Bhangi, New Delhi –
"… I believe in the brotherhood of man, but I do not believe forced unions. If you do not wish to join the Union of India, nobody will force you do that. The Congress will not do that."
However, India forcefully included the Naga territories in the Indian Union and split them up in different political and administrative areas.
On May 13, 1956, Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Medhi –
"…One of their grievances is that under our Constitution we split them up in different political areas. Whether it is possible or desirable to bring them together again is for us to consider…" (Nehru's letter No.1116 – PMH/56 New Delhi, May 13, 1956).
Nagas are still separated in the four states of India, namely - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
Nagas in Manipur are unfortunate lot. The Meiteis who are majority have been exploiting the SC/STs and the minorities, and suppressing their rights, forcing them even to learn the Meitei script (Meitei Mayek).
Much has been said and written against the Nagas. Meiteis have conveniently made use of the media – be it the local dailies, the TV or the Radio. They have exploited the Nagas. They have insulted the very people on whose land they traverse, and whose resources they enjoy. The way they have brought shame and dishonour to their own womenfolk by bribing them to strip naked in front of the Assam Rifles at the Kangla Gate in July 15, 2004 shows what extreme means they can employ in order to get what they want. The Meitei underground organizations siphoned out large sums of the Government money meant for the development and sustenance of the SC/ST and the Minority Muslims to establish a parallel Government with Sajik
Tampak as their Head Office. That was the time when the whole state of Manipur went without salaries for months. Many Heads of Deptts. had begun to attend office there. The Meitei UGs had already started to
harass the tribals in Chandel and Churachandpur districts. Had it not been for the timely intervention of the Indian Army, they would have succeeded in staging a coup.
Another shocking incident happened in 2006 towards our brother Hmar community; 21 innocent Hmar girls were mass raped in Parbung area, Tipaimukh sub-division Churachandpur district by Manipur Valley based
Meitei underground groups (Manipur Peoples' Army). And hundreds of innocent villagers lost their lives and over hundreds without limbs over the last 3/4 years due to landmine blasts and booby traps planted by Manipur valley based militants in Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts.
Inspite of this, India did not withhold anything that was good from the Meiteis: She helped the Meiteis to learn the Hindi language, Hindustani music, imbibe her religion and brought about all-round progress and development in the state. This highly raised the standard of the Meiteis. The Meiteis reciprocated by banning the Hindi language and movies and burned Hindi literature and audio-video cassettes.
It was the Bengali script that has made the Meiteis what they are today. And now the Meiteis have condemned and burned all the books written in Bengali script and even once banned the local dailies for
publishing in the Bengali script. They went to the extent of burning the State Central Library.
Most of today's educated and elite Meiteis owe their beginning to the Christian mission schools. They have strange ways of showing their gratitude – by killing the Catholic priests, brothers and sisters, demanding huge sums from the very institutions that had cradled and nursed them in their school days, and burning down the Christian churches, exhuming the dead bodies of Christians from the cemeteries.
Not satisfied with these, they resorted to systematic ethnic cleansing – the victims were Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis, Nepalese, South-Indians and other non-Manipuris. Slogans like 'Go back
foreigners' rent the air. And those who dared to stay on were forced to pay heavily in order to raise and strengthen the many Meitei underground organizations that had mushroomed. They even killed hundreds of Muslims.
On 14 June, 2001, after over 5 decades of fighting between the Nagas and India, a cease-fire between the two was extended to all Nagas inhabited areas. The Meiteis were against this (the only community in the world against a cease-fire)! They wanted the Nagas and the Indians to continue killing each other. They chanted slogans like – 'There are no Nagas in Manipur' (because all the Nagas in Manipur are in the four
hill districts of Manipur – namely – Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul), 'We oppose extension of cease-fire in Manipur'. They even criticized Christianity – the faith of the tribals in Manipur, calling it 'foreign' and 'American'.
On 18 June, 2001, the Meiteis
1) burnt the Indian national flag and the constitution and hoisted the Pakhangba flag (7 colour flag).
2) burnt the State Legislative Assembly Hall.
3) ransacked the CM's bungalow, MLA's quarters and burnt their vehicles.
4) finally, they made an attempt on the Governor's life. However, the Governor's security men foiled their evil plan. 18 rioters were shot. Now the most interesting part is that the Government of Manipur (Meitei), in her great wisdom has proudly declared those 18 rioters as martyrs and June 18 (that day of looting and arson) as Integrity day and state holiday. It was for this reason that the ANSAM called for the economic blockade of 52 days in 2005. Various Naga organizations are also supporting this just cause.
However, seeing the sufferings and hardships faced by the common people in Manipur, and heeding the appeals of the various organizations like NBCC, AMCO, NESO, AASU, MZP, KSA, etc., and valuing
the requests of the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to the Naga Hoho delegation including UNC and Outer Manipur MP, Mani Charenamai, and responding to the Manipur CM to hold talks on the
issue, the NSF and the ANSAM, in consultation with the Naga Hoho and other civil organizations have relaxed the Economic Blockade temporarily on NHs 39 & 53 w.e.f. 12 noon of 11 August, 2005.
But at this time again, Manipur Government's real motive rise-up again, interestingly imposed the ADC election under the Manipur (Hill Area) District Council Act (Third Amendment) 2008 in the hill
districts without the consent of the hills people. This Act and Rules will only invigorate further the dangerous elements of exploitation against the tribals. This Act is literally an act of invasion on the polity, economy, religion, customs and tradition of the hill people of Manipur. Once election is held under this Act, we will be victims of economic and political exploitation and stagnation for another generation to come.
In order to protect and safeguard the younger generations, the Naga student body, the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), who is for the students welfare no other option, but to call another
economic blockade, started since 12th April, 2010. But still, Manipur government deaf to the public outcry due to acute shortage of essential commodities by blockade. And, instead of solving the problem
Manipur government sticks to their decisions with the forces to subjugate the tribal rights.
In the event of the Manipur state government's failure to resolve the issue, Naga people will be compelled to take appropriate course of action for which the state government of Manipur will be held responsible for any unwarranted consequences.
Since time immemorial Nagas were one people, one culture and one nation; free, sovereign and self contained. The British Empire unsuccessfully tried to conquer the Naga territory. Lord Dalhousie's
policy toward the Nagas was – "Allow the Nagas to exterminate themselves so as to create a buffer zone of no man's land between British India and British Burma." (Delhi Archive).
Sir Robert Raid, a political agent in Manipur, who later on became the Governor of Assam stated –
"The Nagas are not Indian in any sense of the word, neither in origin, nor in language nor in appearance nor in habit nor in outlook."
Mahatma Gandhiji, the father of the Indian nation categorically told the NNC Leaders on July 19, 1947 during their meeting at Bhangi, New Delhi –
"… I believe in the brotherhood of man, but I do not believe forced unions. If you do not wish to join the Union of India, nobody will force you do that. The Congress will not do that."
However, India forcefully included the Naga territories in the Indian Union and split them up in different political and administrative areas.
On May 13, 1956, Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to Medhi –
"…One of their grievances is that under our Constitution we split them up in different political areas. Whether it is possible or desirable to bring them together again is for us to consider…" (Nehru's letter No.1116 – PMH/56 New Delhi, May 13, 1956).
Nagas are still separated in the four states of India, namely - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
Nagas in Manipur are unfortunate lot. The Meiteis who are majority have been exploiting the SC/STs and the minorities, and suppressing their rights, forcing them even to learn the Meitei script (Meitei Mayek).
Much has been said and written against the Nagas. Meiteis have conveniently made use of the media – be it the local dailies, the TV or the Radio. They have exploited the Nagas. They have insulted the very people on whose land they traverse, and whose resources they enjoy. The way they have brought shame and dishonour to their own womenfolk by bribing them to strip naked in front of the Assam Rifles at the Kangla Gate in July 15, 2004 shows what extreme means they can employ in order to get what they want. The Meitei underground organizations siphoned out large sums of the Government money meant for the development and sustenance of the SC/ST and the Minority Muslims to establish a parallel Government with Sajik
Tampak as their Head Office. That was the time when the whole state of Manipur went without salaries for months. Many Heads of Deptts. had begun to attend office there. The Meitei UGs had already started to
harass the tribals in Chandel and Churachandpur districts. Had it not been for the timely intervention of the Indian Army, they would have succeeded in staging a coup.
Another shocking incident happened in 2006 towards our brother Hmar community; 21 innocent Hmar girls were mass raped in Parbung area, Tipaimukh sub-division Churachandpur district by Manipur Valley based
Meitei underground groups (Manipur Peoples' Army). And hundreds of innocent villagers lost their lives and over hundreds without limbs over the last 3/4 years due to landmine blasts and booby traps planted by Manipur valley based militants in Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts.
Inspite of this, India did not withhold anything that was good from the Meiteis: She helped the Meiteis to learn the Hindi language, Hindustani music, imbibe her religion and brought about all-round progress and development in the state. This highly raised the standard of the Meiteis. The Meiteis reciprocated by banning the Hindi language and movies and burned Hindi literature and audio-video cassettes.
It was the Bengali script that has made the Meiteis what they are today. And now the Meiteis have condemned and burned all the books written in Bengali script and even once banned the local dailies for
publishing in the Bengali script. They went to the extent of burning the State Central Library.
Most of today's educated and elite Meiteis owe their beginning to the Christian mission schools. They have strange ways of showing their gratitude – by killing the Catholic priests, brothers and sisters, demanding huge sums from the very institutions that had cradled and nursed them in their school days, and burning down the Christian churches, exhuming the dead bodies of Christians from the cemeteries.
Not satisfied with these, they resorted to systematic ethnic cleansing – the victims were Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis, Nepalese, South-Indians and other non-Manipuris. Slogans like 'Go back
foreigners' rent the air. And those who dared to stay on were forced to pay heavily in order to raise and strengthen the many Meitei underground organizations that had mushroomed. They even killed hundreds of Muslims.
On 14 June, 2001, after over 5 decades of fighting between the Nagas and India, a cease-fire between the two was extended to all Nagas inhabited areas. The Meiteis were against this (the only community in the world against a cease-fire)! They wanted the Nagas and the Indians to continue killing each other. They chanted slogans like – 'There are no Nagas in Manipur' (because all the Nagas in Manipur are in the four
hill districts of Manipur – namely – Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul), 'We oppose extension of cease-fire in Manipur'. They even criticized Christianity – the faith of the tribals in Manipur, calling it 'foreign' and 'American'.
On 18 June, 2001, the Meiteis
1) burnt the Indian national flag and the constitution and hoisted the Pakhangba flag (7 colour flag).
2) burnt the State Legislative Assembly Hall.
3) ransacked the CM's bungalow, MLA's quarters and burnt their vehicles.
4) finally, they made an attempt on the Governor's life. However, the Governor's security men foiled their evil plan. 18 rioters were shot. Now the most interesting part is that the Government of Manipur (Meitei), in her great wisdom has proudly declared those 18 rioters as martyrs and June 18 (that day of looting and arson) as Integrity day and state holiday. It was for this reason that the ANSAM called for the economic blockade of 52 days in 2005. Various Naga organizations are also supporting this just cause.
However, seeing the sufferings and hardships faced by the common people in Manipur, and heeding the appeals of the various organizations like NBCC, AMCO, NESO, AASU, MZP, KSA, etc., and valuing
the requests of the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to the Naga Hoho delegation including UNC and Outer Manipur MP, Mani Charenamai, and responding to the Manipur CM to hold talks on the
issue, the NSF and the ANSAM, in consultation with the Naga Hoho and other civil organizations have relaxed the Economic Blockade temporarily on NHs 39 & 53 w.e.f. 12 noon of 11 August, 2005.
But at this time again, Manipur Government's real motive rise-up again, interestingly imposed the ADC election under the Manipur (Hill Area) District Council Act (Third Amendment) 2008 in the hill
districts without the consent of the hills people. This Act and Rules will only invigorate further the dangerous elements of exploitation against the tribals. This Act is literally an act of invasion on the polity, economy, religion, customs and tradition of the hill people of Manipur. Once election is held under this Act, we will be victims of economic and political exploitation and stagnation for another generation to come.
In order to protect and safeguard the younger generations, the Naga student body, the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), who is for the students welfare no other option, but to call another
economic blockade, started since 12th April, 2010. But still, Manipur government deaf to the public outcry due to acute shortage of essential commodities by blockade. And, instead of solving the problem
Manipur government sticks to their decisions with the forces to subjugate the tribal rights.
In the event of the Manipur state government's failure to resolve the issue, Naga people will be compelled to take appropriate course of action for which the state government of Manipur will be held responsible for any unwarranted consequences.
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