On Naga Independence Day, frontal bodies urge inclusivity

‘Inclusion of all NPGs must for sustainable peace’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 14  

Frontal Naga bodies reiterated the call for unity and inclusivity as the NSCN-IM celebrated the 71st Naga Independence Day at its Council Headquarters, Hebron on August 14. The message was loud and clear – the unification of all Naga Political Groups under one common platform, inclusion and taking into consideration the aspiration and desire of all Nagas irrespective of imaginary political boundaries.  

The call for unity was at the core of the speeches delivered by civil society leaders, at the celebration today, representing the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), United Naga Council (UNC), Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation (ENPO), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Tirap Changlang Longding Peoples Forum (TCLPF), Zeliangrong Boudi NC Hills (ZB-NC Hills), Naga Council Dimapur and the United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas.  

HK Zhimomi, vice president, Naga Hoho while stating that certain “misgivings” about the Framework Agreement and perceived “mischievous talk” surrounding the peace talks have been emerging held that the people should not fall prey to unsubstantiated claims. “We are given to understand that the ongoing peace talks are going on well… The Naga Hoho wish to appeal the NSCN-IM to work out the modalities to accommodate all the factions.”  

Talking of inclusivity, NMA president Abieu Meru asserted that a solution must also include gender concern and the inclusion of women in decision making as Naga women have shouldered and suffered as much as the men. “We believe that any political settlement must be inclusive and gender equitable as Naga women have contributed as National workers, as peace maker and as peace keepers.” “For any sustainable peace in our land there must be space for inclusion of all naga political groups.”  

Reaffirming the Naga position and taking onward the cause with renewed spirit was the call of the NSF. Extending support to the Framework Agreement, NSF general secretary Boveio Poukai said, “As we anticipate a solution let us remain steadfast in what we believe till we achieve our goal.”  

The NPMHR’s Kenneth Mao while terming the present period as a “crucial time of making history,” added, “We have to stand firm with clarity of vision to achieve what our pioneers and leaders have started.” According to the NPMHR leader, the day is a reminder to Nagas to reaffirm the determination to be respected as equals among nations.  

Tushi Wungtung, ENPO advisor while appealing for political consensus expressed the wish that the Framework Agreement would usher in peace and lasting solution for all Nagas.  

UNC president Gaidon Kamei said that it is important for the Nagas to know as to “who is holding the fort?” Terming the present as an opportune time, he added that so long as Nagas remain as one “our future will remain intact.”  

N. Changmi, president of the TCLPF and Pouheu Newme (ZB-NC Hills) further carried on the call for unity. Newme while stating that the Nagas of Assam have never faltered in their support to the Naga movement expressed a wish for an amicable and inclusive solution when all Nagas would live as one people.