Barring territorial physical integration, there is no possibility of the Nagas of Nagaland accepting the Pan Naga scheme
Kohima, October 28 (MExN): A group of citizens has written an open letter to Nagaland Chief Minister expressing deep concern over the reported “Pan Naga” agenda in talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.
The signatories, including Takuyaba, Kahuto Chishi, Kevisiezolie Suohu, Dr Kepelhousie Terhüja, Neisakholie Ziephru, Khekiye Sema and Thepfulhouvi Solo, said in the letter dated October 14 that the Nagas have lived under their own form of governance since time immemorial and had demanded before the Simon Commission in 1929 to be left as they were in ancient times.
The letter said some other signatories preferred to remain anonymous.
They said outsiders do not understand Naga customs, traditions and culture, and noted that former Governor and interlocutor RN Ravi had honestly admitted he was not aware of the intricacies of Naga customs and expressed regret.
The letter said that in Nagaland it is not the government but the villager who owns land in accordance with customs and traditions, and that the Government of India, realising this, had given special protection under Article 371A.
It said the NSCN (IM) is reportedly proposing a “Pan Naga Body” comprising all Nagas of Northeast India living in different states, to be a common cultural authority with a Supreme Head in a socialistic pattern, which is “strikingly contrary to the democratic culture of the Nagas of Nagaland.”
Barring territorial physical integration, there is no possibility of the Nagas of Nagaland accepting the Pan Naga scheme, the letter stated.
Copies of the letter were marked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval, NSCN (IM) Secretary Th Muivah, NNPG Convenor Kitovi, FGN Kedage Kezhalevor Angami, former interlocutor RN Ravi and Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav.
