Former Odhisa Governor Dr SC Jamir addressing students at the inaugural programme of KAIROS at ICFAI University, Sovima, Dimapur on February 7. (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 7
Former Governor of Odisha, Dr SC Jamir on Thursday said that Nagaland attaining statehood was “not a gift but purchased by precious blood and tears.”
Speaking at the inaugural programme of KAIROS at ICFAI University, Sovima, Dimapur, Dr Jamir recalled how Nagas had struggled to safeguard their identity and suffered in that course. “We wanted to have separate identity and because of this Nagas made supreme sacrifices with blood and tears,” he said.
Dr Jamir, who is the only surviving signatory of the 16-Point Agreement said after five days of deliberation, the Nagas finally resolved that Nagaland would be a state within India. He said that the vision and dreams of the founders of Nagaland state was to put up a united front and make Nagaland a progressive state where the people could raise their head high.
“But today it is sad to see that unexpected developments are taking place and we have failed to understand the truth. “There is deficit of trust amongst us and no one dares to speak the truth because the Sword of Damocles is hanging over us,” he said.
Dr Jamir who is also a former chief minister of Nagaland said that Nagas are stranded in a situation where they can neither move forward nor come back. “Nagaland is a very small state but with too many governments, too many prime ministers and generals and that is the crux of the problem,” Dr Jamir added. He said Nagas have only created confusion and retarded the growth of the state.
Dr Jamir asserted that the 3rd August 2015 Framework Agreement has nailed the demand for Naga sovereignty and that all issues would be resolved within Indian constitution minus sovereignty. However, he said over ground people should appreciate the sincere efforts of the undergrounds. He wondered if sovereignty was no more an issue then why was it taking so long to resolve the Naga issue.
Dr Jamir said that Nagaland state would continue to be disturbed until the Naga issue is resolved. “We have to ensure that peace is restored, progress made and become equals with the rest of India,” he said.
Dr Jamir implored upon the young people to imbibe the spirit of Israel and Singapore, which are small countries but have the will to survive and runs the country with hard work, discipline, cleanliness and systematic. The 88-year old former state chief minister urged the young people to keep themselves abreast with the changes and equip themselves with knowledge and skills.
“Use present moment to make a better tomorrow and use today for the benefit of humanity,” he said. He appealed the young people to live upto the expectations of their forefathers who laid their lives for Nagaland.
Dr Jamir expressed the hope that ICFAI University would produce knowledgeable and quality people.
