DILUNG, APRIL 5 (MExN): The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) today rejected the NSCN-K (Niki Group) labeling of the Front as a “misguided group and of dividing the lands of the Nagas” as “self self-contradictory” and stated that it is exercising its “own rights over their land and people.”
It is an age-old traditional practice and essence of the Nagas to defend and uphold their village and areas’ jurisdiction and every Naga have the right and responsibility to defend and protect their inhabited land, the ZUF added.
In a rejoinder to NSCN-K’s (Niki Group) statement on March 31, the ZUF, among others, expressed regret over the former’s statement that the “divisive and disintegrating policy of some misguided groups such as ZUF who have started to divide the Nagas lands with jurisdictional divisions based on the so-called Indian states of Assam, Arunachal, Manipur and Nagaland.”
There has been a practice of dividing the land of the Nagas by the Nagas of Nagaland. The creation of Nagaland by the Nagas itself is one and the term ‘the Nagas of Nagaland’ used by some Nagas of Nagaland and even by the NNPGs are sufficient answers to silence and prove that, the accusation against the ZUF is self-contradictory,” stated ZUF in a press release issued by John Pame, Secretary, Information & Publicity. “The fact is the reflection in the mirror,” it said.
To this end, ZUF wondered why it is being questioned for “exercising their own right over their land and people when the NNPGs in Nagaland are practicing divisional regions and jurisdiction of operation of activities.
“Is it not a blatant attempt to suppress the Zeliangrong people?” ZUF posed.
It also argued that the discriminative classification of the Nagas of Nagaland and from Nagas of other states “simply reflects the default and below standard politics of the Nagas in the face of India and the world” and equated it as the biggest example of application of “divide and rule” policy among the Nagas by the Nagas.
The existence of different Naga political groups is also a ‘sign and example of Divide and rule policy used or practiced by the Nagas against the fellow Nagas,’ it further highlighted, and asked where it all started and who is responsible or exemplar.
Consequently, it accused the NSCN-K (Niki Group) of attempting to justify “the malicious attitude and actions practiced and being played towards not only to the Zeliangrong Nagas but also the whole Naga people.”
“It is right for ZUF or any responsible person or government to question or oppose any Naga faction/group or any non-Naga party or unscrupulous persons exploiting or extorting the wealth of the people” it added, further asking the NSCN-K (Niki Sumi) group to take care of its cadres involved in such activities.
Meanwhile, the ZUF further argued that the Zeliangrong people too have had simultaneous movement, alongside the Nagas’ struggle since colonial period to the NNC till date.
‘What logic or rhyme is there then to point its finger to the fellow Nagas?’ it added.
On accusation of being “subtly inclined towards the divisive policy of the adversaries…” the ZUF stated that it resents the description and termed it “provocative.”
One clear fact is that the ZUF is the legacy holder and torch bearer of the decades’ old movement of Jadonang’s “Naga Resistance” and of historic struggle of Zeliangrong People Convention (ZPC), it asserted.
“The ZUF never oppose or scheme against the Naga people’s aspiration at any point of time or manner, rather supported the common Nagas’ political talk for early, inclusive and acceptable solution and settlement,” it added.
“It is only a fear-psychosis or apprehensive assumption of some antagonistic Naga politicians or UG groups, wrongly speculating or viewing the ZUF’s demand as contradicting the Naga issues,” the ZUF declared.
“The straight message of ZUF is that, the demand for Zeliangrong homeland remains as an infallible historical fortitude under all circumstances,” it said.
“The Nagas’ anticipation for solution in settlement with India delays to be resolved or conformed to the Union of India, the ZUF and its legitimate demand shall neither succumb nor surrender its movement to the present Nagas’ approach,” it added.
Further it affirmed that the Zeliangrong peoples’ political assertion for securing their homeland be it under union of India or aftermath Nagas’ settlement shall be determined.
In this context, it termed the NSCN-K (Niki Group) request to the Naga society for pondering upon the ZUF’s Jurisdictional view as “pointless and needless” and “provoking more of further reckless division.”
