DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): The Working Group of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) today expressed concern at the lack of leadership, character, integrity and statesmanship within Nagaland State Government. The Working Group comprises of GPRN/NSCN (Gen. Retd. M.B Neokpao Konyak/N. Kitovi Zhimomi), NSCN (R), NNC Parent Body (Z Royim/V Nagi), NNC/GDRN (Kiumukam/Hetoi) and NNC/NPGN (Hozheto/Tsangthungo).
A press note from the Working Group stated that the fundamental flaw in the present government is that it thrives on “doublespeak, duplicity and corruption.” Tragedy, it stated, befalls leaders who impose despotic ideas against overwhelming public opinion. “Naturally when peaceful democratic protest fails to attract the attention of the remorseless men in power, the people restore peace, often through volatile conduct as deemed fit by the common people,” it added.
The Working Group further rejected all “anti-people policies being hatched by the handful of people in power.” “The tip of an iceberg is 33% reservation issue ULB elections but deep beneath, there is a sinister policy to destroy the social, historical, political and religious foundations of the Nagas. Here the tribes of Nagaland would not be wrong to act in the interest of their land and people,” it added.
It accused the Nagaland CM and “his cronies” of playing with “trust and sentiments of the Nagas” which had reached a “saturation point.” “They rejected all sensible views and suggestions of the people, who elevated him to the position.”
The Working Group expressed sadness at the death of two persons in the January 31 firing incident in Dimapur, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
“The loss of precious Naga lives may not move the chief Minister and his cabinet to tears but it is also unlikely that the killing of Naga youths will stop Nagaland tribes from protesting against the inefficient and disturbing policies of the government,” it added.
It further slammed the “extraordinary decision of the state government, betraying the Church and the people of Nagaland.”
Urges dialogue process
The Working Group urged the Nagaland State Government to invite, without any delay, the tribal Hohos of Nagaland and initiate a dialogue process whereby the people’s demands are met and confidence restored.
The Working group also appealed to the tribes of Nagaland to stand united at these testing times and explore all options without resorting to violence and destruction. “It is a time to exhibit our courage and determination through oneness of purpose and restoration our inherent right,” it added.
NSCN (IM) condemns police firing, appeals for restraint
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has expressed pain at the death of the two persons during the January 31 firing incident in Dimapur. A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) lamented that the incident resulted in “throwing the social equilibrium and peace in the already splinter Naga fabric scenario.”
It condemned the high handedness of police causing to loss of lives and injuring many in Dimapur and Longleng. “Such act has no place in civilized society,” it added.
“We believe in resolving any differences of opinion through dealing space and time for a negotiated settlement between the state government and all the stake holders. Imposition of unilateral will on the others without seriously respecting the views and opinions of others is undemocratic which will end up in a state of chaos,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
Considering the volatile situation “that could only burn our own houses,” it appealed to all concerned responsible citizens to restrain from any act or state that could further aggravate the situation. It further expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured persons.
