Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 22
The GPRN/NSCN today celebrated the 9th Naga Unification anniversary at Kehoi Designated Camp. Speaking during the occasion, GPRN/NSCN Ato Kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi touched on several issues.
On the Rongmei tribe recognition issue, he said that recognition would bring more trouble to the already troubled state of Nagaland. “Rongmei tribe is already a recognized Naga tribe and what more recognition is required? Giving Rongmei recognition is equal to recognizing trouble,” Kitovi said.
Seeking to clarify perceptions from certain quarters that “Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) was a mouthpiece of the GPRN/NSCN,” Kitovi said “NTC is not a mouthpiece of GPRN/NSCN but we met at crossroads with similar objectives.”
Touching upon the topic of 33% quota for women, Kitovi said that Naga society was giving equal importance and opportunity to women and accordingly women should also compete in the same line along with their counterparts.
Further, dwelling upon the issues of Uniform Civil Code, Aadhar card etc, he said that the Indian Government issuing directives even before the Naga political problem is solved was absurd as it amounted to forcefully bringing the Naga people under the Indian Constitution. “If at all such directives are to be followed then it has to be properly studied only after the Naga political problem is solved,” Kitovi added.
He said leaders elected for a 5-year term cannot destroy generation of five centuries. Kitovi said that the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement signed by the NSCN (IM) was only for NSCN (IM) and hence not comprehensive or inclusive. “But our stand of inclusiveness means all the Naga political groups, NGOs and the public,” the Ato Kilonser maintained.
He said that if the Government of India was not committed to start talks with the GPRN/NSCN then, “We are prepared to face any eventuality together with the 16 tribes of Nagaland.”
He called upon the 16 tribes to come together in one voice and strongly work towards protecting the future of the younger generation. “Our call is not for others to join GPRN/NSCN but to come together in one voice,” he added.
Kitovi also urged upon the NGOs to ponder over why repeated fragmentation had taken place and work to destroy the parasite that is breaking up the Naga people.
GPRN/NSCN President, Gen (retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak meanwhile appealed for the people to join hands and work together with unity for the Naga cause.
NTC President, Lendinokdang Ao, who also spoke, recognized the efforts of leaders who have worked for Naga unification and expressed the hope that God would answer the prayers for Naga unity. Stating that nobody can sign any document on behalf of the concerned person or stakeholders, he said that the next agreement should be signed by all Naga political groups for a lasting and honourable solution. “Let us not allow ourselves to be misled by so many unnecessary theories because without unity there can be no lasting solution,” he added.
Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization, President, Koiwang Konyak said that the eastern Naga people have no objection to a solution but added that any solution should be inclusive. He said that the ENPO still stood firm on its slogan, “Unity First, Solution Second.”
Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Vice President, R. Yanthan while appreciating the stand taken by the GPRN/NSCN for the Nagas of Nagaland, said that the CNTC would support a solution that is acceptable and honourable to the Nagas, especially Nagas of Nagaland.
Dr. Hokishe Yepthomi, former President, Sumi Hoho said there were no complexities involved to solve the issue of Nagas of Nagaland if the Government of India had the political will. He also said that the Sumis would not be held accountable for anything if the August 3, 2015 agreement was shown to have been signed by Late Isak Chishi Swu, former Chairman NSCN (IM) since at that point of time, Late Isak was at ICU, Fortis Hospital in unsound mind and health and it was not possible for him to append his signature.
Nagaland GB’s Federation President, Shalem Konyak also delivered a solidarity message at the programme.
On the occasion, the GPRN/NSCN felicitated three long serving national workers who completed 50 years of service namely: Hekheto Zhimomi (since 1954), Kakiho Tucu (since 1955) and Moba Konyak (since 1962). Later, the trio released the GPRN/NSCN calendar 2017.
The programme was attended by leaders of prominent NGOs including Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kuki GB’s Union, Chakhesang GB’s Union, Chakhesang Public Organization, Chakhesang Youth Front, Diphupar Lotha Hoho, Garo Tribal Council, Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Bengali Community Dimapur, Jain Community Dimapur, Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu Dimapur and others.
