Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): The Political Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a major meeting by the end of this month to deliberate on the ‘objectives’ of the Common Naga Platform. Related matter to be deliberated upon will include representation to the Common Naga Platform, according to PAC chief Dr. TM Lotha.
Dr. Lotha said over phone tonight that the platform will include “every one” (Naga tribal organizations) that will comprise the second of the ‘two-tier’ executive system. He mentioned the UNC (United Naga Council), as implied to be invited to the platform as well. He said representatives of apex tribal organizations of every Naga tribe will make up the platform. The meeting will discuss the objectives though, he added.
The PAC also informed that a number of ‘resolutions’ have been taken in a consultative meeting of major Naga civil organizations on July 4. The meeting convened under the Political Affairs Committee of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland saw in attendance the Naga Hoho, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization, United Naga Council, Naga Christian Fellowship, Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Tenyimi People’s Organization.The PAC informed today that a two-tier system of office bearers for the Naga Common Platform has been decided upon. The ‘upper-tier’ will consist of main and fewer number of office bearers while the second tier will consist of tribal representatives and selected distinguished personalities ‘with executive power.’
Senior advocate Timikha Koza was decided to be the chairman of the platform, and Chuba Ozukum its member secretary. The rest of the office bearers including the co-chairman and the second tier executive council or tribal representatives are yet to be selected, the PAC informed. The meeting offered the co-chairman post to the ENPO and it is expected that it would furnish the name ‘expeditiously.’
The PAC also clarified to the statement of “JCC” expressing “reservation” at the selection of the chairman and member secretary. “In this regard, I want to clarify that the two leaders were selected not because they ever aspired for it but we simply believed that they are good human, a man of integrity and trustworthy leaders. And in good faith and confidence in a joint meeting of all those principal civil societies they were selected and approved,” the PAC chairman stated.
Further, he stated, should there be any commission or omission the PAC appeals to one and all to ‘treat it as human’ but extend full support and utmost cooperation to the Naga Common Forum for the best interest of the Naga political issue and its solution. “I also assure you all that all Naga leaders will be taken into confidence while completing the process of formation of the common platform and its onward functioning,” Dr. Lotha stated. The PAC appeals to all the Nagas to step forward with an open mind for ‘necessary formation of the platform and not to derail it under any circumstances.’
