DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 27 (MExN): Responding to charges leveled against him by the Steering Committee of the NSCN (IM), former Chief Minister and incumbent Goa Governor SC Jamir has responded by stating that Naga people are knowledgeable and intelligent, and that “they cannot be fooled in any manner by anyone”.
Jamir pointed out that he was completely surprised that the NSCN (IM) had once again raised some “antiquated and hackneyed issues which have been amply discussed and lucidly clarified several times”. Describing this as strange, Jamir stated that these issues are invariably and predictably raised on the eve of every election in Nagaland “in the vain attempt to flagellate a dead horse for some petty and cheap political mileage”.
“Earlier, my political detractors used to raise these issues, but now, it appears that the NSCN (IM) has taken upon itself to do the work of some fissiparous politicians who have vested interests. It is obvious that the NSCN (IM) is dancing to the tune of some self-centred State politicians, and this does neither augur well for the organization professing to be espousing the cause of the Nagas nor does it reflect well on the image and integrity of the organization”, Jamir stated in response to the charges leveled by the NSCN (IM).
Stating that this was “tragic”, Jamir pointed out that “in spite of the high moral ground it has been taking all these years, it is being used, misused and abused by vested interests – the sacred Naga movement is being used as a smoke screen by individuals for their own selfish purposes!” Jamir reminded leaders that elections are an integral part and parcel of a parliamentary democracy enshrined in the Constitution of India and the people of Nagaland also have been participating peacefully and whole-heartedly in the elections since 1964. “But once the sanctity of the Naga movement is spoiled it would be very difficult to undo the damage”.
Pointing out that on the eve of every election, all the political parties prepare their manifestoes and present them before the people, Jamir stated that this time too, all the political parties in Nagaland must be preparing their manifestoes. “Ironically, the NSCN (IM) also seems to have prepared its manifesto for the general elections 2008”.
Maintaining that politically, Nagas are also very conscious and that they are “acutely aware of the genuine as well as counterfeit elements in the political firmament of the state, be it underground or overground politics”. Jamir stated that the Naga people understood very well the political demand vis-à-vis the Constitution of India and are aware of the roles being played, or ought to be played by those who are involved in the political struggle, and by those who take part in statehood under the Constitution of India.
Jamir ‘barred’ by NSCN-IM
Dimapur, September 27 (MExN): In a startling turn of events, the NSCN-IM today declared Goa Governor Dr. SC Jamir as “anti-people” and “anti-national” and in effect, “barred” him from ‘all kinds of social interactions’ as well as entry into Naga soil. This was decided at a joint council meeting of the Steering Committee and council of kilonsers on September 25, it was informed. A note issued by “chief principal secretary” Samson Jajo of the outfit asserted that the “destructive roles” of SC Jamir have caused great damage and “irreparable loss” to the Nagas. His effort to “crush” the NSCN-IM and the Naga movement is a “national crime of the highest order,” the organization claimed. “…in the interest of maintaining peace and social order, SC Jamir is barred from all kinds of social interactions and restricted entry into Naga soil. All his accomplices who attempt to bail him out shall also be strictly monitored” stated Samson Jajo.
The NSCN-IM also declared “Alemtemsu Jamir” as “anti-national” and “anti-people,” who the outfit stated in the note, as co-author of the ‘Bedrock of Naga Society.’
