DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The BJP’s National Vice President, M Chuba Ao today called upon all stakeholders to work towards delivering peace and a solution to the Naga political issue “before things get delayed and derailed.”
In a statement, the BJP National Vice President said that according to the Government of India, there is nothing much to discuss and debate as all contentious issues have been discussed. He observed that while the NNPGs are also reportedly keen to ink the peace pact, “there are issues flagged off by the NSCN (IM).”
“Each stakeholder in such a dialogue process has their own priorities and are within their rights to raise matters at the negotiating tables.
The Modi government has given due importance to all and also displayed utmost sincerity and statecraft in guiding the peace process. Prime Minister Modi is more than keen for a peaceful resolution of the issues,” he stated.
Ao further stated that former Nagaland Governor RN Ravi was shifted “as our BJP government wanted to show that nothing matters more than the solution and peace for Nagas.”
He called upon the Nagas to be reasonable. “We have to understand that our own whims and fancies cannot decide a government policy. The government has its own set of rules and regulations; some of them required to be amended in Parliament. Honestly, we Nagas want the GoI to solve our problem, we never understood their difficulties,” he stated.
He meanwhile referred to how powerful the Naga civil society is and cited that in 2017 when Nagas opposed local body elections, the 17 day strike at secretariat didn't allow anyone to function.
“Old secretariat was burnt down and even elected members, govt officials were not allowed to move around. What if such a situation revisits us on important issue like the Naga peace process,” he questioned. Ao therefore appealed to the NSCN (IM) to think about the Naga people’s future.
He further said that the Naga people are missing out on development; “our youths are getting jobless and getting frustrated.” “In some regions, people are already facing the urgency to opt for tightening of belts. The days of free lunch and rampant corruption are now vanishing. But we Nagas have not able to learn many important lessons. Someone is taking Nagas and especially Nagas of Nagaland for granted and playing with our future,” he stated.
The BJP National Vice President recognized that by historical circumstances, Nagas got scattered into various states and even countries -- India and Myanmar. However, he stated it would be unfair to “presume or hope that other states' boundaries and other nation's interests will be compromised to make us Nagas happy, or solve our problems.”
“That's the reality. It may be unfortunate and bitter facts, but they reflect the reality of our times. Let us take a pragmatic approach and embrace solution for lasting peace and development,” he appealed.
He stated that the Nagas deserve peace and development more than anyone else. “Is it wise to drag things for years and decades when they are no longer relevant under the present conditions,” he questioned. Ao added that “solution as we are talking is nothing concrete or a set of new mechanisms. Solution will mean continuity with the present status quo but we can ensure peace, mutual tolerance and development for all.”
