Manipur MLA accuses Nagaland CM TR Zeliang of stoking 'antagonistic feelings'

The accusation comes amidst a row that has seen a Naga body announce a ban on the Manipur govt against stepping into the "Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur"

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has been accused by a Manipur MLA of "trying to create hostile attitude against the Manipur government" amidst a row that has seen a Naga body announce a ban on the latter against stepping into the "Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur".

Manipur MLA L Ibomcha filed an FIR against Zeliang on March 2 with regards to the matter. 

In a statement here, the legislator said while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, that is subject to reasonable restrictions.

Ibomcha has refused to withdraw the FIR and said that the demand by the United Naga Council (UNC) that he tender an apology to the chief minister was "out of the question".

Ibomcha said he would withdraw the FIR if the Nagaland chief minister and the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) apologised. Failing that, "the law will take its own course", he added.

During Zero Hour in the Assembly yesterday, Ibomcha had dismissed the ban imposed by UNC against him "stepping foot in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur".

The MLA said he can visit any place in Manipur and the ban by UNC has no legal sanction.

Ibomcha also urged the government to ban the UNC for "inciting animosity among the communities of Manipur".

The UNC, he said, is a civilian body with its headquarters in Senapati district of Manipur and a branch office in Imphal.