Morung Express News
August 31
DIMAPUR: In a politically significant statement Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong today called for formulating, in ‘concrete terms’, the political aspirations of the Naga people in the context of the changed global political scenario.
In an oblique reference to the current peace process, Imkong laid out three specific measures to be considered at an early date.
This included, the call for a cease-fire among the different groups of the Underground and general public; reconciliation among all sections of the Naga people with each other and a call to unite without reservations; and third, that all sections of the Naga people should support the UG National leaders to negotiate with the Government of India for an amicable settlement of the Naga political problem.
The CLP leader also took time out to clarify on the controversial booklet ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’. Imkong made it clear that, the author himself had stated in one of the political rallies: “the very reason for writing the booklet has served its purpose, let this be put at rest”. Speaking in front of the mammoth gathering Imkong said that he was putting it on record that the booklet was a closed chapter. “Let the past rancors and hatchet be buried. Let us unite to go forward with peace and prosperity”, he said.
In a significant statement the Congress leader also said that the integration issue was not a new agenda but one which was as ‘old as the Naga political awakening”.
Imkong however pointed out that division of people into factions and the resulting violence and killings had become the most contentious issue facing Naga society. He asked people to cultivate the spirit of forgive and forget and called for a process of reconciliation to heal the wounds. “It is difficult to forget but in the interest of the people, we have to forgive for the wrongs done to us. That is the spirit which has to be cultivated”, he said.
Calling on people to bury past hatchets Imkong said that only by creating a peaceful atmosphere could one hope to remove fear-psychosis and “truth will start coming out of our minds”. “It is the truth alone that can make us free from all evils and infirmities”, he said.
While expressing commitment of the Congress to work for unity of all sections of the Naga people, Imkong said it was only through unity that an honorable solution of the Naga problem could be secured. “A united Naga voice will be more honourable and acceptable than voices of different groups”.
On the issue of integration, Imkong pointed out that the issue embraced several States in the Northeast region and cautioned that a violent approach could only negate Nagas objective. “Only through peaceful and democratic means alone, can we achieve our goal”.
