Prime Minister informed of dysfunctional ground rules
Dimapur, June 2 (MExN): A delegation consisting of members from the DAN government recently submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding response to four specific issues, namely in regard to the purported NSCN (IM)’s charter of demand, whether or not the NSCN (K) has been asked to submit a charter of demand as well, the cognizance taken on the “not functioning properly” ceasefire ground rules and finally, response of the Centre on the integration issue. The Memorandum of the Peace Committee dated May 17 was appended by Home Minister Thenucho, Health & Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha and Parliamentary Secretaries MC Konyak, K Hollohon, Imkong Imchen and Deo Nukhu.
Informing of the prevailing situation in Nagaland , the delegation sought response on the four specific issues (aforementioned). On the charter of demands put forth by the NSCN (IM), the memorandum to the Prime Minister wanted to know the specific points contained in the Charter of Demands and the response of the Central Government to each of the points and whether the government of India has worked out any formula to solve the Indo-Naga political issue.
It was also observed that subsequent to the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM), the Centre had also signed an agreement with the NSCN (K) and towards this regard the delegation asked that it be informed on whether or not the NSCN (K) has also submitted or has been asked to submit a charter of demands. If so, the specific points contained in the charter and the response of the central government be given to the committee, the memorandum stated.
The signatories also noted that the existing ground rules agreed upon between the Central Government and both the NSCNs have not been functioning “properly” and there have been frequent violations of ground rules characterized by factional clashes on numerous occasions. “It is understood that in view of this, it has been decided to amend the ground rules. We may kindly be informed by when these amended ground rules will be implemented so that the clashes and disturbances can be controlled” the memorandum solicited.
Referring to the sensitive Naga integration issue, the delegation while affirming that integration of all Nagas “is our undeniable birth right in view of the spirit of the constitution of India”, informed the Centre that the Nagaland State Assembly has so far already passed four resolutions to this effect, seeking integration without further delay.
Requesting the Centre to enlighten the state government on the matters forwarded, the memorandum also requested the Prime Minister to continue with the ceasefire agreements and “to direct that all our efforts be made to solve this long-standing problem at the earliest, in a manner acceptable to our people”.
