Senapati, October 19 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang today stated that the Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is a preamble to the final Naga political solution.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a gathering of Southern Naga villagers on the occasion of the 1st Conference of Naga Village Authority of South Nagalim at the Local Ground of Tagaramphung in Senapati (Tahamzam), a press release from the Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland stated.
Though the contents of the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement have not been made known officially, the Interlocutor RN Ravi had explained in detail about the same to various tribal organisations, and opined that it was the preamble, containing directions and guidelines as to how the final solution should be worked out, Zeliang stated.
“As per my understanding, it is basically like a preamble only, containing the intention and commitment of both the parties to the talk to settle the Naga political issue amicably, without the use of force or violence, on the basis of shared sovereignty, and understanding of each other's situations and viewpoints, including the recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas,” he viewed.
“The details of the final agreement are to be finalised later, after having wide ranging consultations with the stake-holders,” he said and stressed that the Naga political problem should not be allowed to linger on indefinitely.
Considering the “positive approach” of the Central Government under the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, this is the opportune time to bring the Naga peace talk to its logical conclusion, Zeliang reasoned. “Let us not leave this problem behind, and bequeath it to the future Naga generations. Let us be positive in our approach, and let us have faith in the wisdom and good intentions of our leaders, who are negotiating the final agreement,” the Chief Minister urged.
Emphasising on the need for the Nagas to remain united wherever they may be, Zeliang said if the Nagas are united, and stand firm to protect our land and our way of life, “no Governmental authority, or any other community will be able to divide us, to dominate us, and take away our land and our birth right.”
With Manipur assembly polls nearing, Zeliang sought to campaign for the Naga People’s Front, stating that the party stands not only for the cause and the unity of the Nagas, but also “for the cause and the unity of the tribals of the North East.”
“Let the Nagas unite under the banner of the NPF, and also make understandings with other tribal bodies, so that together, we can defeat the anti-tribal forces, and the anti-tribal measures, including the recently passed anti-tribal legislations in Manipur,” Zeliang said drawing happy cheers and applause from the crowd.
Further seeking to allay fears in the valley, Zeliang maintained that “the Naga political and peace dialogues will not infringe on political rights of the Meiteis.”
He further informed that his Government is “persistently asking the NSCN (K) to have peace talks with the Government of India and to have Ceasefire with the Government of Myanmar so that permanent peace can be ushered in for the people of Myanmar.”
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues Ministers Tokheho Yepthomi and Yitachu and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) KG Kenye.
UCM reacts sharply to TR’s visit
Imphal, October 19 (NNN): Nagaland Chief Minister's Manipur visit to attend a conference has been termed as an attempt to "fuel hatred" among communities of the state. The "First Conference of the Naga Village Authorities of South Nagalim" was organised by United Naga Council (UNC) at Yaikhongpao village of Kangpokpi subdivision under Senapati district.
"The Nagaland CM's visit was aimed at twisting the Manipur territorial integrity out of shape," United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Johnson Elangbam told media at its office here today.
He further expressed dismay over the Ibobi Singh headed Congress government for allowing the meeting with the main agenda, the Framework Agreement, which he dubbed as "a grave threat to the boundary of Manipur." The UCM president Elanbam also accused the UNC of taking up activities to "disrupt the Manipur territorial integrity at the behest" of NSCN (IM). He said the ceasefire signed between the Centre and NSCN (IM) is within the bounds of Nagaland state but a number of camps belonging to the outfit have been found running in Manipur.
"This activity is well known to the state government's machineries and security forces," he insisted. Elangbam condemned the Ibobi government for allegedly keeping tight-lipped about the issue for a long time.
AMUCO president Ph Deban also told media that the primary objective of TR Zeliang's Manipur visit on Wednesday was to lay a ground to strike a deal with the chiefs of Naga villages in Manipur to claim and take away the mineral resources of the state. He claimed that the NSCN (IM), the Government of India and some major companies are working together to find practical ways to extract Manipur's resources under a secret deal. Warning against any move to disturb the integrity of the hills and plain, Deban maintained that such move would never be tolerated.
