Kohima, January 25 (MExN): The Coordination Committee of Naga civil societies held a meeting on the aspiration of solution before election with the political parties in Nagaland on January 25 at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.
The political parties NPCC, JD (U), NPC, and NDPP and representatives of NSF, NMA, ENPO, Nagaland GB Federation, NTC, CNTC, ACAUT, INTA, CPO, Lotha Hoho, Ao Senden, YTC and several other tribal bodies attended the meeting.
“Keeping the Naga political issue unresolved is not going to accrue any benefit. The earlier the solution to the problem, the better for the Nagas,” said Z Lohe adding that the priority is to salvage the situation in Nagaland and the meeting must have a consensus opinion today.
Supporting the initiative, K. Therie, President NPCC stated, “There is a unity in this slogan ‘solution before election’.” While agreeing that the policy adopted by the Centre for inclusive solution is an opening for every group of the Naga national movement, Therie pointed out that the only question that remains is whether BJP can also agree to the aspirations of the Nagas. Expressing apprehension that unless there is a sincere will on the part of the BJP, Therie said “the issue will remain.”
Even if the decision is taken to boycott elections, the BJP ruled government will use all the paramilitary forces available to protect their candidates filing their nominations, viewed Therie adding, “At that point we will be helpless and they will form the government.”
A representative from NDPP also voiced their total commitment to the settlement of Naga political issue at the earliest. “When we talk of solution of Naga political settlement, we agree because that is the wish and aspiration of Naga people,” said the representative.
“We have come to the conclusion that solution is more important than election because solution is something which comes merely in a lifetime, election normally comes every five years. For so many years we have been waiting for solution, so what is the harm if we defer the election,” said the representative of NCP. The JD (U) also conveyed their solidarity to the call for solution while also pointing out the challenges that will come. Agreeing to K. Therie’s statement, Khekiye Sema also expressed apprehension that given the backing of the paramilitary powers, the BJP can protect their candidates to file their nomination. “All other political parties will have no other option but to file their nominations,” said Sema.
Claiming that apex bodies such as the Naga Hoho have lost the mandate of the people, Jonas Yanthan representing the Kohima Lotha Hoho pointed out that till today the Nagas are trying to find a body to lead them.
Pronouncing the invocation for the meeting, Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC also shared some thoughts on the present demand for solution and appealed for the exercise of wisdom and discernment.
“We must seek to build up an organic unity. Mechanical unity breaks up no matter how many times we come together and if we are only coming together for one occasion, organic unity cannot be constructed. We must listen to each other and pursue things that would be uplifting and build up our unity that will be edifying,” said Keyho.
“Our tomorrows are more than our today. So, today as we seek together, as we deliberate for our tomorrow and many tomorrows will come. Let us do so thinking of our younger generation. Let wisdom overcome emotions. In our disappointment, let us not destroy our future,” appealed Keyho.
