DIMAPUR, AUGUST 11 (MExN): The Naga Hoho and the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) have censured what it termed as ‘unpalatable statements’ made by the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on various occasions denouncing the existence of the two Naga civil societies.
A joint press statement issued by the NH and NMA on Sunday alleged that the most recent belittling by the CM was made at the Joint Legislature Forum and Ex-Parliamentarians meeting on August 7 at Kohima wherein the Chief Minister is learnt to have stated that “There is no more NH and NMA to represent the voice of the people and also FNR is no more active and the people have lost confidence. So there is no apex organisation to work for Naga peace process.”
Taking serious cognizance of such utterances, the two organizations has reminded the Chief Minister that in spite of all odds, the NH and NMA has been standing firmly protecting the basic principles and common interest of the Naga people till today.
At this crucial moment, when many of the state-centric people have been trying to destroy the apex organizations in the state and create disunity among the Nagas, it is unfortunate and surprising for a peoples’ leader to castigate and nullify the age old social institutions in such a high level gathering, it stated.
Nevertheless, most of the Naga tribe hohos and woman organizations from Nagaland state has dissociated from NH and NMA for various reasons. However, that does not qualify for the Chief Minister to denounce the very existence of the two organisations, the joint press statement pointed out.
It also reminded that Naga civil societies are sharply divided at the moment due to various issues that was introduced by none other than the state government like the Rongmei tribe recognition in 2012, enactment of Art 243 T with regard to 33% women Reservation in 2006 which compounded to the most unfortunate and unforgettable ULBs election fiasco.
While being aware that both NMA and NH have landed up in this present position because of the division among the men-folk and womenfolk on the above stated issues, it however stated that at this crucial juncture, it expect the Chief Minister, who is none other than a seasoned politician and a respectable leader to “talk with maturity and work hard towards bringing unity and rebuild the fractured Naga society with balance views and objectives.”
The NH and NMA meanwhile called upon “all the Naga people young and old, men and women to stand united and face various challenges during this defining moment as we will be able to reach our destiny only when we are united.”
