“His public advocacy for the Naga solution to be brought within the framework of the Indian Constitution undermines the founding principles of the Naga homeland and the same is not accepted by the Naga youth and student community”, said NSF.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday condemned the arguments put forth by Nagaland minister, and State BJP president, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, against the stand of the Naga people for the “flag and constitution” to be accepted and recognized by the government of India. He made the statement on the proposed solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue during his recent speech in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
According to a press statement issued by NSF president, Kegwayhun Tep, and general secretary, Supunii Ng Philo, Imna Along’s insinuation that certain Naga political groups are indulging in “delaying tactics” for their “selfish gains” only reflects the “shallow” understanding of the issue that is “just, fair, and righteous.”
Stating that while the minister indulges in rhetoric that pleases his political bosses at the Centre, NSF said he has altogether forgotten the “blood, sweat and tears” of those who gave up everything in order to usher in a solution that is “inclusive, honourable and acceptable” to every Naga individual.
“His public advocacy for the Naga solution to be brought within the framework of the Indian Constitution undermines the founding principles of the Naga homeland and the same is not accepted by the Naga youth and student community. More so, his conviction that separate flag and constitution shall not form a part of the solution reeks of a conspiracy to deprive the Naga people our legitimate rights wherein he is an integral part of, if not the mastermind of the same,” read the statement.
NSF also stated that it was truly saddening that the elected people’s representatives failed to truly comprehend the larger issue at hand and chose to be the “shadow” and the “echo” of the few names he threw around during his eloquently crafted speech at the state’s legislative assembly.
The federation also condemned Temjen Imna Along’s inability to assert the rights of the Naga people and for towing the lines of those truly responsible for the delay in honouring the “unique history and situation” of the Naga people.
Meanwhile, the NSF stated that it was constraint to “caution” the minister against activating his verbal “diarrhea mode” on issues wherein he has very little or no knowledge about.
Being a first time elected member of the state Legislative Assembly does not automatically qualify him to make sweeping statements on an issue that is more than a “century old” and involves the sacrifices of the entire Naga people, said NSF.
It further demanded that the sentiments of the Naga people are truly respected by him and that no further attempts to placate his “alter-egos” are made.
What did Temjen Imna Along say?
It may be mentioned that Temjen Imna Along who is the Nagaland State BJP president, and minister in Nephiu Rio led UDA government on Tuesday also said that nothing “concrete” has agreed upon on the Naga political issue till date.
He said that everyone knows the demands for a “separate flag and constitution” is not “achievable” and added that the Civil Society would renew their agitation if the solution is not arrived before the next general election due early next year.
Informing this on the 3rd day of the ongoing NLA session, the state BJP leader said that the negotiation group – NSCN (I-M) had claimed that without “flag and constitution” there would “no solution” but he stated that as a political party and as an august member of the NLA, all have taken oath under the Constitution of India to represent the aspiration of the people.
“If the talks have concluded, both the parties can tell us what is the problem and how is it going beyond the conclusion,” Imna Along said.
Maintaining that the Government of India is also a government under the Constitution of India and under the flag of India, Imna Along said how can we give beyond that “Constitution and Flag” and give up the sacred Constitution of India.
Stating that the government of India would never agree, Imna along also said that when some of them went to Delhi led by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, few days ago to meet the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, the latter categorically had said that even in “400 years” the issue for a separate “flag and constitution” would not be possible.
On October 31, 2019, all Nagas came to know that the “talks” have been concluded both from government of India and from the negotiating side.
Imna Along also said that the NNPGs have come to an “understanding in principle” on the “agreed position” with the government of India (GoI) but now we are talking about the previous slogan before the last 2018 general election campaign “Election for Solution”.
He said one of the main issue is “if the talks have concluded” then why is the “settlement” not coming, not that at all cost we want to be in the chair so if they don’t agree, we can arrange it “election for solution” to “fight” the 2023 election as we want “solution” so that we get the “solution of aspirations” for the Nagas of Nagaland, the 17 tribes of Nagaland.
“We will fight our election whether like it or not, it is under constitution of India and we will represent our people and stick to the government of India and also stick to the Naga political leaders and share our cause”, Imna Along added.
He later maintained that “election for solution is solution for election” is not the criteria, but the criteria is that the “vexed political issue” should come to an understanding and culminate so that our people could live in peace, prosperity and see good governance and also allow the people to grow together with the nation and the world.