Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 20
Shocked by reports that ‘some districts’ in Nagaland have reportedly ‘merged’ to carve out a separate ‘state,’ the Naga Hoho has strongly declared that it would resist any force that attempts to cause further division. The Naga Hoho is expected to meet very soon to discuss the latest development.
An emergency meeting of the Naga Hoho was held today at Kohima to deliberate on various relevant issues, including the ‘statehood’ reports. Unless the issue is addressed with political correctness, such a sensitive matter would have far-reaching consequences then ever, said Naga Hoho vice president Keviletuo Kiewhuo. More so at this juncture when the peace process is on, it would be a problem, he said. Kiewhuo also felt that the matter could be a “breakup” of a much larger issue. He however did not elaborate.
ENPO clarifies on ‘statehood’ demand
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has clarified that it is unaware of any demand for statehood from the Government of India as reported. It however, observed that “such reports would only encourage the ENPO for the same.” A statement from ENPO president Pohwang Konyak expressed surprise at the reports as no representation of any kind was submitted to the Government of India. The ENPO wondered whether this has been done “by our own fellow Nagas or the Government of India to create misunderstanding and disturbances.”
It stated that the ENPO has no such intentions of creating any “disturbances” among its fellow Naga brethren, especially at this juncture when the GoI-NSCN (IM) talks are on. “The ENPO considers such motives and reports as disruptive and dubious…” it observed and assured to enquire into the matter from all sources including the state and the Center keeping in mind harmony and Naga brotherhood. The ENPO however, stated that such reports would “only encourage the ENPO for the same.” If any such demand or decision is made, then the same would be made public and “not through backdoors,” the ENPO stated and appealed to all for “steady minds and hearts.”
