Source: The Sangai Express
Chandel, June 16:
The Solidarity rally was also taken out in Chandel district amidst tight security today.
The rally commenced from Maha Union ground at around 10 am and proceeded towards Chandel DC office where a memorandum endorsing 'Naga unification' was forwarded to the Prime Minister of India through the head of the district administration.
The rallyists carried placards and banners with inscriptions which read 'Naga shall never accept the imposition of Meiteis' interest on Nagas', 'Naga unification does not mean Meitei disintegration', 'Government of India must demonstrate their political will to resolve Indo-Naga issue', 'Stop provocative statement',' We don't want endless peace talks', 'We support peace process', 'No unification, No solution', etc.
As the procession came closer towards the DC office, the rallyists were stopped and only a 10-member delegation were allowed to hand over the memorandum to the DC-in-charge Ajit , MCS.
The delegation comprised of ANSAM presi- dent Paulrhing, ex-AN-SAM president Kho John, president of Chandel Naga People's Organisation D Ringo, executive member of United Naga Council Tolkham Maring, speaker of Naga Students' Federation (NSF) Hanshing, vice president of Naga Women's Union Marigold as well as presidents of Tribal Unions of Monsang, Anal, Lamkang, Chothe and Tangkhul.
Later talking to mediapersons, CNPO secretary Kohring Victor claimed that altogether 30,568 people participated in the rally including 9,500 Anals, 9400 Marings, 5000 Lamkang, 2500 Chothes, 1750 Monsangs, 1700 Monjangs, 450 Taraos, 60 people of Komren Region, Churachandpur, besides another 208 people.
Former ANSAM president Kho John who was also present at the occasion said India Government should act and bring about a political solution to the Naga issue with a clear understanding of the fact they have been working for Naga unification for the last 50 years.
Pointing out that the ceasefire between the Govt of India and the NSCN (I-M) will expire on July 31, Kho John observed that India Govt should extend the ceasefire further.
When asked what would happen if the ceasefire is not extended, he said it would be very unfortunate and will not bear any fruits.