Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): Under a barrage of attack for political statements he is said to have made, Goa Governor Dr SC Jamir today a issued a statement clarifying his stand on ‘sovereignty,’ the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ and his position vis-à-vis Naga talks. In his clarification, Jamir also reminded that the concept of sovereignty has changed in tune with global realities.
The Goa Governor stated that while there definitely is a longing in the hearts and minds of the Nagas, the concept of sovereignty has changed with the times. “…the very concept of Sovereignty has also undergone a world of change and is no longer the same as it was fifty years back. Global realities have changed and so have the traditional concepts changed the world over” the Goa Governor reminded. Moreover, he expressed belief that the aspirations and urges of the Nagas do not really conform to the Western concept of Sovereignty which is generally subscribed by the Government as well as people of India. In this regard he called upon the younger generation to have a fresh look at the real meaning of Sovereignty in the context of the tribal communities.
On the “old issue” of the booklet ‘Bedrock of Naga Society,’ Jamir stated, has been raised and clarified ad nauseam in the past Its purpose of generating a debate has been served, he reminded. “But this is totally out of context with the present topic at hand, namely, the views on the concept of Naga Sovereignty, and revival of this old issue after such a long gap of time is quite mysterious” Jamir stated adding his conviction that this is a non-issue which does not deserve any more debate.
Jamir has appealed to all concerned to put to rest all speculations, surmises and conjectures which have appeared in the media in the recent past. He also appealed to all “not to jump the gun” after going through speculative and imaginary news reports, but to be reasonable and practical in one’s thinking or utterances.
In regard to the football friendly between the Tangkhul Shiroi Lily Club and the Longterok Ao Football Club on July 12 at New Delhi, where he pointed out that since Christianity was brought to the lands of the Ao and Tangkhul Nagas by Rev Clark in 1872 and Rev William Pettigrew in 1896 respectively, they, the tribesmen are enjoined upon with greater responsibilities to spread the message of peace, love, brotherhood and compassion in the region which has been afflicted by violence, bloodshed and turmoil all these decades.
Jamir expressed his happiness that the friendly was organized and held in a cordial, bordering to filial, atmosphere. He had stated that Nagas belong to the same family and that there is no reason why there should be hatred in the same family. He failed to understand why anybody or any organization can conclude that he is exploiting the tribes or using them, like the NSCN (IM) alleged, “as his political playthings.”
“Politics and religion are two totally different spheres of human activity, and how a call by a Christian to fellow Christians to spread the Gospels could be linked to politics or tribalism, is beyond comprehension. In a land ravaged by hatred, killings and misunderstanding all these decades; where the people are fed up with violence and abnormal prevailing circumstances; where the sole yearning of the people is for peace, peace and peace alone” he stated adding that no amount of argument or criticism can shake his faith that Christ-like living alone can heal the wounds, reconcile the Naga people with each other and solve the many ills of the Naga society.
He also expressed surprise in one of the national dailies “if” he could be “sold” to the NSCN (IM) as a “mediator” by the Centre and that the NSCN (IM) should hasten to respond critically to the speculative news report which did not have any named or verified source. “… There is no veracity in this speculation and he considers it as a figment of somebody’s wild imagination. To be very realistic, it is absolutely improbable that any Government will utilize the service of any Naga as a mediator in the on-going political talks between Naga groups and the Government of India since any Naga would naturally be in favor of his own people” Jamir reminded.
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