• Accuses Nagaland legislators for ‘blindly’ propagating the Framework Agreement
• Tells GoI to show political maturity in handling the Indo-Naga issue
Filip K Sumi
Dimapur | February 23
Against the backdrop of the Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga political issue meeting various Indian political leaders to garner support for urgent solution to the Naga political issue, five Naga Political Groups have condemned the activities of the PWC.
The five NPGs including GPRN/NSCN (Khole/Kitovi), NNC/FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero), NNC (Z. Royim/V. Nagi), NNC N/A (Kiumukam/Hangping) and NNC N/A (Temjenyanger/Hozheto) on Tuesday met at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur and discussed on the standing Naga political issue.
In a joint statement, the five groups condemned the activities of the PWC and questioned its wisdom led by Chief Minister and the NLA Speaker for “blindly” propagating the 3rd August Framework Agreement. The signatories of the joint statement described it as “an intrusion to the Naga national question unequipped and ill prepared.”
“We therefore condemn the activities of the PWC and interpret this initiative as anti-thesis to the PWC aims and objectives-a sell-out of their own principle. Should there be a fall-out from their sinister campaign, it shall be their own earned responsibility,” the statement read.
Functionaries of the five groups also said that the PWC was “ignorantly and unabashedly” trying to seek the support of Indian political leaders instead of seeking the will of the people through consultations and deliberations, of finding a political space to discuss and consult the NPGs for seeking a political solution, of seeking clarity and transparency of the Framework Agreement that may decide the future of the Naga people.
The five groups have therefore asked the PWC to clarify to the people of Nagaland whether the terms of Framework Agreement were available to them.
It also asked the PWC as to who endorsed them to take the name of stakeholders when no consultations were initiated at any level. The PWC was also asked to clearly define how the Agreement was going to benefit the people of Nagaland and how the agreement with NSCN (IM) was going to bring a final solution to the Indo-Naga political problem without the knowledge of the people.
The signatories made a strong appeal to the Government of India, which it stated, knew the rights of the Naga people and the reason for their national movement, to show political maturity in handling the Indo-Naga issue.
It urged India to respect the aspirations of the Naga people and accordingly take corrective measures to ensure that no divisive or oppressive policies would be initiated from within or without to repeat the “tragic errors of the past.” They also urged the Indian government to honour both in spirit and letter with regard to any promise and agreement on its part at any point of time.
They expressed optimism that the GoI would not retract its stand to bring into the negotiating table all the stakeholders so as to find a timely solution that is honourable and acceptable.
Stating that they upheld the Naga plebiscite conducted on May 16, 1951, the five NPGs said, “As such, no individual or group has the right to make any political treaty or agreement without the consent of the Naga people.” It added that the “error” of the Naga People’s Convention should not be repeated to further divide the people, territory and aspiration to live together as a free people.
The signatories recalled that important agreements and covenants were reached amongst the NPGs with the full support and blessing of the people through the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). They said that the FNR, which recognised the historical truth and desire of the people, had come up with slogans and concepts such as “Journey of Common Hope,” “Nagas are One,” “Naga National Government” etc.
The signatories, therefore, said that any individual or group who fail to either uphold or work against these political principles and commitments ought to be declared as “traitors and anti-Nagas.”
“The Naga people will never accept any solution without their consent and that we the undersigned are prepared to continue the struggle to uphold the aspiration of our people,” the joint statement affirmed.
The statement was signed by Alezo Venuh, Envoy to Collective Leadership GPRN/NSCN; Hothrong Yimchungru, Convenor NPAC, GPRN/NSCN; Thupushuyi S. Keyho, Vice President NNC/FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero); P. Puthai Lam, Kilo Kilonser NNC/FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero); V. Nagi, General Secretary NNC (Royim/Nagi); Yillow Lotha, President Lotha Regional Council NNC (Royim/Nagi); Kiumukam Yimchungru, President NNC N/A (Kiumukam/Hangping); Hangping Zeliang, General Secretary NNC/NA (Kiumukam/Hangping); Temjenyanger Aier, President NNC N/A (Temjen/Hozheto) and Hozheto Chophi, General Secretary NNC N/A (Temjen/Hozheto).
NPG leaders concerned by steps taken by the Nagaland legislators
Earlier, during the meeting, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN said that the PWC had committed a “big mistake” and shamed the Naga people by rushing to Delhi and seeking support of Indian political leaders to solve the Naga issue without consulting the stakeholders.
“We can never accept such step,” he said. Kitovi also said that the future of the Naga people would be decided by the Naga people themselves and not by any outsider (s).
Zhopra Vero, Kedallo, NNC /FGN said, “We are concerned about the outcome of any development that does not include all NPGs and stakeholders.” He said that the Framework Agreement was only between the NSCN (IM) and India and does not include other groups. Stating that the NNC/FGN was “alarmed” at the steps taken by the PWC, Zhopra asked, “What have you (PWC) sacrificed for people and land so far?”
V. Nagi, General Secretary NNC said any solution that might be brought about by the NSCN (IM) and Government of India would not be acceptable unless all stakeholders were taken into confidence.
Temjenyanger Aier, President NNC N/A said that the PWC was not the right group to take over the Naga national problem. He said Naga people have become the laughing stock of the world for signing an accord that does not have any content and added that the NNC N/A would not be silent spectators.
Kiumukam Yimchungru, President, NNC N/A said that the legislators were elected to bring development for the people and added that the NNC cannot accept the PWC.
The meeting was attended by scores of national workers from all the five political groups.
