Imphal, March 13, 2010: As part of their move to endorse the ongoing peace talk between the government of India and the NSCN-IM in New Delhi, the Naga tribes' organisations based in Senapati district including Maram Union, Thangal Naga Union, Chiru Tribal Council, Kharam Hoho and Zeliangrong Union, Senapati Zone participated in today's 'Consultative Meeting' at Taphou resolved to support the ongoing peace process so as to have a negotiated settlement to the 'Protracted Indo-Naga Conflict'.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has been currently organising the 'Consultative Meetings' in various places.

Since Senapati district is a huge one the UNC has decided to conduct two 'consultative metings' for the district.

The next programme for Senapati district will be held on Monday where the remaining Naga tribes' bodies will participate in it.

The Saturday 'Consultative Meeting' was attended by Maram, Thangal, Chiru, Kharam and Zeliangrong Union of Senapati Zone, tribal leaders, village chiefs/headmen/chairmen, and Naga frontal organisations representing the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, Senapati District Students' Association, Senapati District Women's Association, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Women's Union Manipur, United Naga Council and several public leaders and village authority members.

The Consultation had an extensive review on the status of the �Indo-Naga Peace Talk� and after a thorough deliberation the headman of Maram Namdi (Khullen) on behalf of all the village chiefs/headmen/chairmen present proposed a declaration of the Naga village chiefs/headmen/chairmen and was unanimously adopted by appending their signatures on the 'declaration' by the concerned village chiefs/headmen/chairmen.

"We the undersigned chief/headmen/chairmen of the undermentioned names of villages and as the custodian of our land, resources, administration and with the mandate of our entire constituent villages, under the present Tahamzam, Senapati District, Manipur on this 13th day of March, 2010, at Taphou Naga Village, hereby declare the followings on the Indo-Naga Peace talk which is underway at New Delhi, India that, we reiterate our support and endorsement to the collective leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to have a political dialogue with the Government of India for a negotiated settlement to the Protracted Indo-Naga Conflict.

The second resolution states, "As the custodian of our custom and tradition our identity, land and history will be defended and preserved at all cost and our firm political stand is to uphold the aspiration of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one administrative roof and that this must be an integral component of the final negotiated settlement.

That, for any settlement which excludes unification of Naga territories will not be honourable nor bring lasting peace".

The third resolution says, "It is our expectation that, the Government of India would sincerely demonstrate its political will to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga conflict through the ongoing Peace Process since the last 12 years for an acceptable and honourable settlement to both India & the Nagas".

The meeting further had an extensive discussion on the Imposed legislation, policy and program that threatens the rights of the people with special reference to The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act.

1971 (3rd Amendment) Act 2008; etc.

After a thorough deliberation, the meeting unanimously adopted certain decisions which said that the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and the Amended Act 2008, should be rejected in its present form and content, as the said Act does not protect and safeguard the rights of the people.

Another decision statesthat the meeting decided to urge the Hill Areas Committee to immediately defer the enforcement of the Act.

The last decision states that the elected representatives should be urged to review the Act.

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