14 Naga Tribal Hohos appeal negotiators to deliver long-awaited solution
Kohima, August 12 (MExN): A total of 14 apex Naga tribal hohos of Nagaland on Tuesday said “this is not the time for a negative campaign” which may delay the Naga peace process.
In a press release received on August 12, the 14 Naga tribal hohos asserted that the voice and aspirations of the Nagas have grown louder each day for a peaceful solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
This is also not the time to engage in endless negotiations to remain in one’s comfort zone at the cost of peace and tranquility, they said.
“It is pertinent at this juncture to avoid double standard role of negotiation without any commitment for solution,” the joint statement issued by the Media Cell of the 14 Naga tribal hohos stated.
The statement said the Nagas have been reeling under a situation of uncertainties in absence of real peace for decades together and are desperate to have peace in “our land” and also with all neighbouring ethnic groups for all times to come.
The hohos appreciated the progress of political negotiations that has reached its final leg where inclusive agreement can be reached any time if the parties stand committed to the understanding of October 31, 2019.
They also put on record their appreciation to the Centre’s Interlocutor RN Ravi and the Naga negotiators for their magnanimity and dedicated engagement towards bringing lasting peace through an inclusive solution.
They further appealed to the negotiators to stand committed to the cause and deliver the long-awaited solution to the people.
Reiterating their campaign for an early solution, they urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demonstrate his magnanimity and generously address one of the oldest political conflicts with resounding effects in the country’s political history with no intention of changing the present Interlocutor.
Questions Naga Hoho's mandate
In a separate statement on August 12, the 14 hohos refuted the representation submitted to the Government of India by the Naga Hoho on the grounds that it not even a single tribe of Nagas of Nagaland affiliated to Naga Hoho.
“Naga Hoho does not have the mandate of the Nagas of Nagaland,” it claimed.
It said that any matter that involves the Nagas of Nagaland should be through the 14 tribes of Nagaland and as such, “any decisions taken on its behalf by any other organization or Naga Hohos,” would not be taken into account.
It cautioned that hohos would “take its own course of action” against any individual or organization if “unprecedented threat” is meted out to the tribal leaders.
