Participants of the public rally organised by the NPAC in Dimapur on August 5. (Morung Photo by Manen Aier)
Terms Aug 5 public rally a firm signal of the people of Nagaland to GoI
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 5
The newly floated Nagaland People's Action Committee (NPAC) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to delay the anticipated “solution” any longer.
The letter, read out at the August 5 public rally in Dimapur organised by the NPAC, said that the call “for “early positive action” was from the common Naga public. The rally at the Walford-Naga Shopping Arcade junction saw a relatively sizeable turnout, by Nagaland standard, with estimates ranging from 7000-10,000 people.
The rally, it maintained, was a firm signal from the people of Nagaland to the Government of India (GoI) “to implement the concluded political negotiations into solution without any further delay.”
According to it, protracting the talks, now in the 25th year, has only had adverse effects on the lives of the population, while stifling growth. “It has taken a huge toll on the entire system of governance. The unresolved political issue has heralded an unimaginable cycle of corruption at all levels, crippling public health care, education and overall infrastructure development, which are in shambles for obvious reasons to say the least.”
It added that in the name of the political issue, government projects are being siphoned “through percentage cuts and shares,” while businesses are being “extorted by armed groups.” The inordinate delay, it said, would only give way to deprived and frustrated youth taking up arms.
While maintaining that the PM has yet to fulfill his promise, “You (PM) are aware that the ceasefire and the political negotiations under its peaceful atmosphere are all but a means to an end. Therefore, if the means are to be nurtured as the end, it becomes more of a betrayal to the public of Nagaland.”
It further recalled the events of 2018 “when the Civil Societies and all political parties, including the BJP unequivocally demanded for solution before election.” However, it held that the BJP went against the will and wish of the people by opting for “Election for solution.”
“The rally is a firm signal to the Government of India (GoI) that the people of Nagaland will welcome the political solution and uphold it under any circumstances,” it reiterated.
Individuals representing the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) and Nagaland GBs Federation addressed the rally.
The ASTD President, Meren Nokpu held that the GoI should declare and bring to the public domain what was claimed to have been concluded on October 31 (2019). As stakeholders, he said that the public has the “right to know what the GoI is giving to us” because the solution does not belong to a single entity but to the Nagas.
The NWHD lamented how “the bond of unity which has forged the Nagas as one people is gradually dissipating.” While calling for unity, the Hoho appealed “to bring home a successful negotiated agreement for the betterment of the people.
Dr Khekugha Muru, President, CNCCI shared how the protraction of the negotiations has impacted the business sector in Nagaland. Despite being a “silent community,” he said that the business body took the opportunity to participate in the rally. While maintaining that the people are among the main stakeholders, he said that there cannot be a solution without the participation of the people. “We the public are behind you (NPG). Please conclude the talk at the earliest. The GoI would be only compelled to take it all the more seriously when they know the people are supporting the talks for a solution,” he said.
‘Accepting reality’
Later, at a press conference, the NPAC was asked why it was only pushing the Government of India (GoI) to expedite and conclude the political negotiations. To this, Convenor, Theja Therie, maintained that as the initiator of the dialogue, the onus is on the GoI. If in the process, a solution does not come about, he held that the people be given the opportunity to take the call.
Concurrently, he said that that the Naga negotiators are also expected to consult the people. He questioned, “Who is stopping them from coming to the people? Why can’t our negotiators, the Naga negotiators come back to the people and tell us what is your (their) difficulty?” Without taking names, he held that the all the parties involved should come clean and take the people on board, while adding, “The people cannot be kept in the dark any longer.”
While the call is towards a one Naga solution, there is a noticeable ‘Nagas of Nagaland’ undercurrent vouching for a solution based on the existing state lines of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Therie was asked if this is healthy to the entire idea of the one and final solution, to which he replied, “Any solution has to be inclusive.”
The response though came with the caveat that the “contemporary reality” should also be considered. The territorial and geographical divisions are a reality, which “We cannot wish away,” he held.
He added, “Basing on these contemporary realities, we want a solution for the Nagas and we have faith and confidence that our negotiators are taking that into consideration.”
According to him, sovereignty and living under one Naga political umbrella was the goal of the Naga movement. At the same time, being practical and accepting the “contemporary reality,” or in other words, accommodate a solution based on the prevailing state lines.
He added, “We will not say that we will not continue our aspirations. We will continue to pursue our aspirations, whatever is on the cards, if this is going to give us a solution, a peaceful coexistence… (Then) the people are prepared to accept that reality.”
