Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, February 16:
In a rare and forthright interaction that echoed the urgency of a people weary of conflict, senior functionary Eno S. Vara, Executive Member of the Steering Committee of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), delivered a blunt message: the time has come to end violence and honour political commitments to the Naga peace process.
Speaking on the long and troubled history of Indo-Naga relations, Vara asserted that Nagas have endured “too much beating from military campaigns and reactive forces,” warning that further delay or misinterpretation of the conflict could push the region into deeper unrest. His remarks come amid rising tensions in areas like Litan and other sensitive pockets of the hill districts, where fear and uncertainty continue to stalk ordinary lives.
A Political Issue, Not Law and Order
Vara emphasised that the Naga issue has always been political, not a mere law-and-order matter.
“The British colonial power used third forces to weaken the resilient Naga. Later, the Union of India repeated similar tactics. But history is clear — military solutions cannot resolve political problems,” he said.
He noted that even former Indian military leadership had acknowledged the futility of armed suppression and recognised the Naga question as political in nature. According to Vara, this understanding must now translate into decisive political action.
“The peace process began almost three decades ago because both sides agreed the Naga issue is unique. It is a conflict rooted in territorial history and identity, not criminality,” he stated.
Nagas Are Not Separatists, Says GPRN Leader:
Vara rejected the label of secessionism, arguing that Nagas historically chose self-determination and refused integration into either Burma or India.
“We are not separatists. We simply say we should be left alone with our choice. For refusing, we have endured punishment for decades,” he said.
He stressed that the core dispute is territorial and historical, and must be addressed honestly by the Government of India.
“We are talking with the Union of India, not the states. The primary issue is territorial conflict between the Naga people and India. This must be understood clearly,” he said.
Warning Against Sabotage and Sectarian Interests.
The senior GPRN leader warned that sectarian interests and reactive forces have repeatedly sabotaged peace efforts, leading to unrest, bloodshed, and mistrust.
“When two parties seek peace, there will always be forces trying to derail it. That is why we have seen violence in different locations. These elements must be understood and isolated,” he said.
Without naming groups, Vara hinted that divisive politics and misrepresentation of facts could worsen tensions in volatile zones like Litan and other hill regions.
Call for Trust, Dialogue, and Immediate Peace
Vara reiterated that Nagas seek peaceful coexistence through dialogue, not war.
“We believe in trust, negotiation, and peaceful resolution. But peaceful coexistence cannot be forced upon people whose homes are encroached upon. Justice must precede peace,” he said.
He urged both the Government of India and Naga political groups to act with sincerity and urgency before more lives are lost.
“We have endured enough. The time has come to resolve this peacefully. History will not forgive another generation lost to delay,” he warned.
A Message to the Region:
The statement carries deep resonance for people across Manipur’s hill districts, including Ukhrul, where memories of past violence remain raw.
Vara’s message, delivered amid mounting tensions, is both a warning and a plea — that the Naga peace process must not be derailed by mistrust, misinterpretation, or delay.
“The choice before us is simple,” Vara concluded. “Bloodshed or political courage. We must choose peace — now.”
