Analyzing the many press statements made by Mr. Niphiu Rio during Indian election campaigns and its aftermath, the Chief Minister of Nagaland state has acted not as a leader but an inconsistent individual whose priority lies elsewhere rather than help Nagas reason together. His statements on Naga socio-political issues of late borders stereotyped ramblings bereft of conviction and determination which is doing more harm than good. GPRN/NSCN is constrained to issue this statement with regard to his accusation that Naga movement has lost political vision. GPRN/NSCN would simply advice the State’s Chief Minister not to play moral science teacher to Naga National workers since he is the chief architect of the present social and political turmoil. Rio’s desire to further differentiate NSCN into (K) and (U) is politically motivated. The chief minister should do well to be informed that GPRN/NSCN is headed by Chairman S.S Khaplang, General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Kholie Konyak, who have never lost sight of Naga political vision and aspiration. With this clear conscience, they are collectively and wholeheartedly supporting the Unity and Reconciliation process under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). It is he himself who has lost political vision. An Indian flag flying above his home and office constantly reminds him of his allegiance to Indian constitution, what right has he to talk about 1951 Naga plebiscite where 99.9% Nagas opted for a free Naga Homeland?
To equate GPRN/NSCN with other anti-social elements for excessive extortion and criminal activities is to question the very root of political struggle chalked out by our forefathers. Government of India understands perfectly well that over the last sixty years it has failed to curb traditional contribution offered by the Nagas willingly. Other generous contributions by well-wishers and sympathizers to the Naga National cause should not bother him. Hundreds may complain but millions still pray and support and contribute to the Naga political struggle. While Rio complains of excessive taxation, he must first explain why the Nagaland Government Registered Class I Contractors as well as other smaller contractors are being doubly taxed by his Government against all works and against purchase of materials. The chief minister’s and minister’s share in any development projects are demanded and pocketed even before work orders are released. The menace of deductions and collections of irregular commission altogether amounts to more than 25% of the contractual works. All into the mouths of politicians! This is the mother of all crimes and extortions. Mr. Rio accuses Naga National workers as having lost political vision but it is he who has resurrected the traitors and defunct groups to breathe again and create law and order problems in Kohima and elsewhere. Corrupt state machinery, extortionists and criminals roaming the state capital should not be linked with traditional and legal contribution of the Nagas that help sustain the National movement.
At the Naga conclave of March 5-7, 2009, Rio said, “…Nagas of Nagaland had to first set its house in order to invite other Nagas, as the Nagaland itself was rife with division” It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Rio has formed the so-called “Common Naga Platform” defying all logic and reason. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has the endorsement of the entire Naga people. The Naga Hoho, GB’s & DB’s Forum, ENPO, JCC, NBCC, NMA, NSF, NPMHR etc. Confliction parties too have participated with real zeal. Mr. Rio would be the first to acknowledge that process of reconciliation among the Nagas has yielded results with a visible decline in fratricidal killings. Why is he trying to divide further even the Nagas of Nagaland? Plainly speaking another high sounding platform is nothing more than a small Indian political party’s policy to incapacitate and neutralize Naga Reconciliation Process. Naga history has never been kind to traitors. GPRN/NSCN solicits wise decisions and pro-people policies from those who claim to be serving the Nagas. Mr. Rio’s sorry utterance every third morning has criminalized the 60 year old political struggle.
Rio’s participation in the Indian state’s machinery does not entail him to further fragment the Naga people emotionally or physically through politically motivated statements, nor does it gives him the license to promulgate unimaginative curriculums for the Naga society. It is a recipe for disaster that a highly regarded non-governmental organization like the APO, which primarily caters to the welfare of Angami Tribe, has been entrusted to tackle law and order problem in the capital of all Nagas, on account of them being the landowners. What is more shocking is the Logic of Mr Rio that all Naga frontal Organisations must bow down before APO as and when the need for non-violent protest against the Government arises. Kohima belongs to enire Naga people of which Angamis are a part and parcel of. APO preventing NSF from taking its grievances to the Government is a step backward because the interest of the Naga people should precede all else. If APO is to handle law and order in Kohima, what of the other districts? GPRN/NSCN, on its part, shall have no option but oppose and confront diabolical policies. Mr. Rio should not adopt a policy that forces the APO to go beyond the boundaries of age old traditional social duties.
GPRN/NSCN believes that the DAN Peace Affairs Committee was formed with the objective of bringing the Nagas together but it was essentially NPF party all the way with no representation from the opposition party. It also continued hobnobbing with Muivah’s group. Rio’s government possesses a dog’s attitude where anything resembling a bone takes away all its attention, allowing thieves and burglars to ransack the house. This is a crime against the Nagas. The recent Common Naga Platform, the brainchild of Rio which he himself offered support through the media is a continuation of this habit. The nexus with Hebron Camp is well established in the recent NPF Executive Committee meeting of 28th July where one self-styled Reverend Seksim Kasar from Hebron Camp did the invocation. This is Rio’s equi-closeness policy vis-à-vis Naga political struggle.
The Naga struggle has triumphed over many treacherous moments and conspiracies worse than what is being forced upon the Nagas. GPRN/NSCN shall confront every new obstacle with a renewed determination, fully aware that it is for the glory of the Naga people.
MIP,
GPRN/NSCN.
