Dimapur, October 14 (MExN): The NSCN (IM), under the aegis of Makuilongdi Zeliangrong Region, GPRN and the people of Liangmai and Inpui organised a one-day people’s consultative meeting at Tamei, Tamenglong on October 12.
The objective of the meeting was to keep abreast of everything about Naga political issue and the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks, and bring better understanding on Naga issue, a press release issued by MIP, NSCN (IM) informed. Members of Collective Leadership, Kraibo Chawang, Member and Lt Gen (Retd) VS Atem, were the resource persons for the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Chawang asserted that NSCN is very clear of the present situation regarding the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and there is no confusion whatsoever. The whole world appreciates the stand taken by NSCN except few for vested interests, he maintained.
On the Kuki issue, Chawang claimed that historians made no reference to the Kukis as indigenous tribe and were only quoted as nomadic and wandering tribes who were used by the British against the indigenous Nagas in Manipur. The refugees status of Kukis in Manipur is well documented in Indian Parliament record when Naga MP, Suisa fought for the welfare of the Kuki refugees, he added.
On the Article 371(A), Chawang cautioned that Naga’s identity as a people and as a nation finds no meaning here. He made the reference to 16-Point Agreement and Shillong Accord that was “vehemently condemned by the Nagas for accepting the Indian Constitution, treacherously betraying the Naga people’s political aspirations.”
He reminded that NSCN is not going to betray the Naga nation by accepting the Indian Constitution. What God has given to the Nagas, NSCN shall accept the challenge to defend, he said.
Gen Atem, in his speech, said there will be no compromise on the issue of flag, constitution and integration. “We cannot give up our national identity under any given situation in the name of Naga solution,” Atem said, according to the MIP press release.
He pointed out that no outside people, either Chinese or American will be able to do best for the Nagas. It is the Nagas themselves who should do their best to stand by their rights. All said and done, he asked the people to be careful in the way they live but do God’s will while accepting that Nagas are God’s chosen special people.
While stating that the “history of the Nagas is different from others” Gen Atem said that “God gave the Nagas the political will and strength to stand the ground when faced with the situation to decide which way to go.” He went on to add that, “In the history of Indian political movement there was a time when more than 500 princely states were asked to join Union of India. Princely states of Lushai and Khasi-Jaintia and later Manipur joined the Union of India, except Nagas who refused, to stand alone by its political identity as a nation that declared independence on 14th August, 1947.” Gen Atem, said “this is the uniqueness of Naga history.”
Gen Atem recalled the historical role of Haipou Jadonang, who he said showed Nagas the way to stand the ground for their political rights and gave him credit when Nagas declared independence on 14th August, 1947.
Further, Atem also stated that “Nagas cannot forget how God show them the way to UNPO to become its bona fide member, while many were denied such high profile membership that legitimize the Naga political issue in the international platform like UNPO which is recognized by UNO.”
Gen Atem also recollected how the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, “I will walk extra mile to find Naga political solution,” and said, “But for reason best known to Manmohan Singh, he couldn’t go beyond this. However, his (Manmohan Singh) conviction of the Naga’s political rights he openly accepted.” Further, Atem mentioned that former Government of India’s interlocutor to Naga political talks RS Pandey had admitted that “Unless Naga’s political rights are respected; it will be difficult to find solution”.
On the occasion, Rev Dr Alungbou Newmai, Executive Secretary, LNBA (M) along with ordained Church leaders offered intercessory prayer for all the leaders of Nagas, staff of Makuilongdi Zelianglong Region, Talk Team of NSCN/GPRN and Government of India and for the unity of Nagas.
