Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): N Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser GPRN/NSCN and Convener WC, NNPGs on Wednesday stated that the Naga political issue “is not a commercial enterprise” and added that it can never be “under the monopoly of N Kitovi Zhimomi, Th Muivah, Neiphiu Rio, Y Patton or TR Zeliang.”
In a message to the Nagas, the WC, NNPGs Convenor observed that, “The problem with the leaders of today is, many have developed eccentricity, a sense of personal ownership of Indo-Naga political issue at the cost of Naga people.”
He also stated that a ‘distorted narrative’ fuelled by endless political talks and the “over indulgence in self glorification and self-crowning exercises with relentless media hype since 1997 is evident,” adding that this has not helped the Nagas.
Kitovi claimed that the WC, NNPGs has avoided this ‘deadly trap’, adding that they chose to be “practical and transparent with the Naga tribes and with the GoI.” He further claimed that they changed the concept of Naga political talks from ‘secrecy mode’ to ‘transparent and inclusive mode’.
“How could Naga political talks be kept as classified document, hidden from Naga tribes and civil societies?” he questioned, while asserting that the status paper of the WC Agreed Position which was signed on November 17, 2017 between WC, NNPGs and GoI is in the hands of all stakeholders.
Further, Kitovi maintained that political solution cannot be designed to “appease, quench and inflate the pride, ego and ambition of any leader.”
He also offered clarification on unresolved matters between the WC and Government of India (GoI), stating that regarding the Naga Flag, “the GoI has been clearly told there is a historical, cultural and spiritual side to it which is too dear to the Naga people.”
The WC, NNPGs Convenor said that the GoI has assured that the Naga flag would be given appropriate respect and position it deserves, adding that the unrestrained political usage of the Naga flag would be pursued post solution democratically.
Assuring that the GoI will not object to the use of Naga flag for cultural purpose and in customary institutions, Kitovi said, “…the Naga flag will flutter on cultural events, on significant historical days and on Naga customary institutions in our land.”
Meanwhile, acknowledging that each Naga tribe has conventions that govern the conduct of individuals and villages as miniature republics, Kitovi also mentioned that the precise shape, form and source of authority with regard to the Naga Constitution, will come from the Naga tribes.
On the issue of Naga integration, the WC, NNPGs Convenor said that it is a ‘legitimate right’ and aspiration of all Nagas which would be pursued democratically post solution.
Asserting that the WC, NNPGs members chose the Naga people over their differences, Kitovi said that they have pledged to be open and transparent with all Nagas.
"To respect and be respected as a People," best defines the ongoing formal and informal deliberations between A K Mishra, the GoI representative on Naga talks, Kitovi concluded.
