Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) convenor Theja Therie on Friday stated that the negotiators of “Indo-Naga” political issue cannot keep the Nagas in the dark as the later has given them a mandate to negotiate.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, saw a mammoth convergence of the people from all walks of life coming out openly in support of an early “solution” to the protracted Naga political issue.
The public rally for “early Naga political solution” was held under the aegis of Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) at Super Market-Walford junction, Dimapur.
With many activists and intellectuals coming forth to speak on the issue, president of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Meren Nokpu was the first to speak at the venue. Meren Nokpu said that it was on October 31, 2019, the government of India had categorically informed that the protracted “Naga political talks” has been officially concluded and a “ray of hope” dawned on the Nagas. However, he lamented the fact that till date the government of India has not “officially declared” the outcome that the “talk” nor was it made known to the public.
Questioning why the “outcome” of the political talks was kept hidden, Meren said if the solution was not for the public, whom are they for and added that in order to strengthen the voice of the people, the rally was being organized.
“Whatever the official talks, the government of India should be bold enough to declare it and bring it out in public domain,” said Meren.
Stating that today people are not talking about NSCN (I-M), NNPGs or the government of Nagaland, the ASTD president supplemented that as stakeholders (public), as the sons of Naga soil, as Dimapurians, and as a tax payers, they had every right to know what the government of India is “giving us” as the solution does not belong to a single or a mere faction but the Naga political solution belongs to the Nagas.
President of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), Kekongchim Yimkhiung said that the Naga political solution should be concluded at the earliest.
Stating that when one talks about Naga political issues, it is not about individuals, tribes, or about the regions but for the whole of Nagas. Yet, he was of the view that there is no Naga who does not want an early solution.
Sharing that today the Naga society has become “divided with different views and opinions” but wanted an early solution, Kekongchim reminded that Naga political issue is a public issue for which the public should voice out “instead of fighting amongst our own people thereby creating confusion” though there may be differences with different agendas.
Pointing out that for the last 25 years, Naga negotiators have been saying that the “talks” are going on in the right direction while the government of India has been admitting that the “talks” have been completed “successfully” on October 31, 2019, Kekongchim questioned the negotiators the reasons behind delaying in bringing about the solution. “Are we not curious or no one is curious, and we should not be in confusion when we are talking about the Naga political issue” stated Kekongchim while saying that if the government of India cannot bring
Naga political issue to a logical conclusion as promised, it has to be left alone to the Nagas to decide their own future.
Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president, E Kikon voiced for “acceptable and peaceful” early solution of the protracted Into-Naga political issue. He also conveyed a message to the “leaders” to be sincere and committed towards the cause of the Nagas.
Reading out a message on behalf of Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) president, Neinuo Kire, NWHD publicity and information secretary, Elizabeth Humtsoe, said since time immemorial, Naga women have been silently enduring the “ugly side” of what was then known as a “united struggle” against the government of India across the “length and breadth” of Naga homeland.
Looking back to Naga’s struggle from a mother’s perspective, as any mother treats equally amongst her children, Elizabeth said “we” as women folks still long for and would continue to pray for unity amongst Nagas, both “overground and underground”.
However, she said the sad that the reality which we all need to acknowledge is the fact that the “bonds of unity” which has forged the Nagas as “one people” was gradually dissipating. While recollecting that there was a time when all the Nagas came together under one banner when faced with any adversity, the Naga unity which has brought all through thick and thin all these years must be revived in Naga society in order to march confidently towards the future.
Stating that “shed no more tears” was a clarion call by all the Naga mothers together, she said that it was perhaps an appeal to both the government of India and the Naga freedom fighters and indeed it was a “joy” in every mother when “ceasefire” was entered by minimizing tears in every Naga mothers’ eye. Nevertheless, it was indeed a matter of concern for them as mothers to bring home a “successful negotiated agreement”, Elizabeth said while appealing to each and every Nagas to work together for betterment of Naga people.
Parent body of all the district’s chamber of commerce, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber and Commerce
and Industries (CNCCI) president, Dr Khekugha Murru said that the “silent community” (business community) or the most affected community cannot remain a mute spectator to the current issues. He said that in the Naga political issue, there are two main stake holders—negotiating parties represented by the NSCN (I-M) and the NNPGs who had all given their best and have been working hard negotiating for the best possible solution for “honourable solution for the Nagas” the last many years. He also said that it is time for every Naga to come out freely and tell the Naga negotiating parties that the public are behind them and ready to accept their negotiation for the solution.
Convener, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF), Shikuto Zalipu, while sharing his thoughts extended gratitude to NPAC for the initiatives and said that the GBs as custodian of villages, the solution to the Naga political issue should be arrived at the earliest before the next assembly election which is due next year.
Meanwhile, NPAC convener, Theja Therie, read out the public representation for early “Naga political solution” which was to be submitted to the Prime Minister of India, through Nagaland governor.
‘Nagas cannot be kept in dark’ says NPAC convenor
The recently floated Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) convenor, Theja Therie on Friday said that the Naga negotiators of “Indo-Naga” political issue cannot keep the Nagas in dark as the later has given a mandate to the negotiators.
Saying that at no point of time the people came between the negotiators, Therie said that as the issue is a “people’s movement”, it would pursuit all the participants to come out transparently, decisively and take the people aboard.
He was addressing media persons at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, after Friday’s public rally. With an assertion that they (negotiators) would understand from the people’s aspirations, expressions and through which they have demonstrated, Theja Therie also said that any solution has to be inclusive as it is not for Nagaland, Manipur or Arunachal Pradesh but the the solution is for the Nagas.
“We are from Nagaland, our Nagas from Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Mynmar have all identities, so have to respect each other”, said Therie. Based on the contemporary realities, a solution for the Nagas is a want and that the Nagas have faith and confidence that the “negotiators” are taking it seriously, the NPAC convenor said.