New Delhi, February 3 (MExN): It is time for the Nagas to “unitedly strive for achieving the aspiration of the Nagas.” The Naga Scholars’ Association stated this today in a press communiqué from its President, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan and Jt. Secretary, Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei.
“The Naga people should continue to appreciate and support the initiative of the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) which is spearheading the current movement. The Nagas should further strengthen the current movement and actively involve the apex pan Naga bodies, particularly the Naga Hoho. It is crucial for the leaders of the movement to continuously strive to usher the confidence of the Naga people,” noted the NSA.
Imposing election, cause grave concern
Reflecting on the current political situation, the NSA observed that “The desire of the Nagas for the political solution has also brought together the Nagas from all walks of life and has ultimately taken collective decision for deferment of the Nagaland State Assembly 2018. This is a great achievement for the Nagas to have converged towards realisation of our aspiration.”
In view of this, the “imposition of the current Assembly election in Nagaland by the Government of India against the wish of the Naga people has resulted in the current imbroglio in Nagaland and is leading to furthering the trust-deficit of the Nagas after having signed the Framework Agreement on 3 August 2015 and subsequent assurance of the Prime Minister of India for an early settlement.”
This approach of the Government of India, noted the NSA, is “a cause of grave concern for the Nagas.”
At this “crucial juncture,” the Association maintained that it is important for Nagas to be united.
“The Nagas have to stand united in spirit and action. Towards achieving the desired goal, the Nagas should be resolute to face eventuality to overcome the undesirable elements from within the Naga society and from outside. The movement should be consistent and persistent enough to be able to achieve the goal,” it stated, hoping that this year will not be a repeat of the 1998 experience “where the Naga boycott of Nagaland State Assembly to pave way for Naga political settlement was sabotaged.”
“The past experience appear to be still haunting the Naga psyche that further adds to the state of indecisions in the minds of many Nagas,” observed the NSA.
The Association of scholars underlined the “crucial role” that Naga politicians have to play to make the movement successful.
“This is for the fact that all the potential electoral candidates belong to the Nagas despite varied political affiliations, be it national or regional. They must listen to the urgent call of the Naga people,” it stated in its press note.
Further, it urged the Naga political negotiators to give “utmost effort to collectively work out for an honourable Naga political settlement which is the desire of the Naga people.”
“The Naga National Political parties should seriously consider that the differences among them should in any case stand towards finding political settlement.”
