Clarification to the statement of I. Temjenba Lkr over the Shillong Accord of 1975

To an extent, it is a relief that finally the sole surviving signatory of the Shillong Accord I. Temjenba Lkr openly came out with his statement on the 14th March, 2014 in local dailies and clarified the position of the NNC and FGN. It is true that I. Temjenba Lkr rightly stated, “so it is totally wrong to blame the then NNC President A.Z. Phizo, who was neither “consult” nor “support” the document at any stage at that period.

Spilling of blood and loss of precious lives and the breakup of Naga family into different political groups could have been averted if the clarification had been given earlier.

Indeed, the Shillong Accord was signed under the capacity of the Representatives of underground organizations because the government of India intended to ignore the FGN. This can be treated as a legal victory to the NNC and FGN because the fact shall always remain to be seen for generations to come. Let the Accord remain to be the property of the signatories and underground organizations.

It is now necessary for our people to study the facts and judge Accord. Clause (i) “The representatives of the underground organizations conveyed their decision, of their own volition, to accept, without condition, the constitution of India;” (ii) “It was agreed that the arms, now underground, would be brought out and deposited at appointed places. Details for giving effect to this agreement will be worked out between them and representatives of the government, the security forces, and members of the Liaison Committee;” (iii) “It was agreed that the representatives of the underground organizations should have reasonable time to formulate other issues for discussion for final settlement.”

No. 2 of the Accord was implemented and the arms and ammunitions were destroyed by India. Any accord whatever cannot be partially accepted or rejected which is universal fact. As a by-product of the Accord, the Transit Peace Camp in Kohima was set up to accommodate the underground organizations. Now, Mr. I. Temjenba Lkr presently resides in the Camp as a member of the underground organizations and not as a National Worker under the NNC and FGN. This naturally applies to all the Campers.

Under this circumstances, let us see how Mr. I. Temjenba Lkr, the sole surviving signatory of the Accord who had been living in the Camp since 1975 up to date claim to be elected as a Kedallo (Vice-President) of the FGN. This fact only demeans and tarnishes the image and integrity of the FGN and the NNC and creates confusion.