DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 13 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) held a consultative meeting with its Chakhesang Region at Zhavame on October 10, which was attended by Chakhesang CSOs including representatives from NSF. The Zhavame Village Council (ZVC) extended traditional hospitality to the NSCN dignitaries and other CSO leaders, informed a press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM).
Kilo Kilonser Maj (Retd) Kewe Mero in his welcome address said that the meeting was held to spread awareness on the Indo-Naga political talks from the “correct perspective” and to also discuss the ongoing violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo in Manipur.
Jongpongsashi Longkumer, Kilonser, Education, stressed on the critical need to bring awareness and identify who are bona fide national workers “giving heart and soul with their never give up spirit of sacrifice for the Naga political cause.”
Zhehoto Awomi, Kilonser, Chaplee Affairs, meanwhile termed the declaration of Indo-Naga ceasefire and signing of the Framework Agreement as historic landmark in the Indo-Naga political issue. It is for the world to testify who has carried the Naga political issue and how NSCN shouldered the Naga political movement without succumbing to any situation and pressure but standing upright for Naga political rights, he said.
Kraibo Chawang, Collective Leadership Member, said that the meeting was held to “understand together our historical root and political rights, and the critical need to understand our identity based on Naga peoples’ historical and political rights”. He pointed out that identity and land cannot be separated, because it is land that gives political identity as a nation.
He further stated that the NSCN (IM) knows all about spearheading the Naga political movement under the leadership of chosen leaders. He appealed to the Chakhesang people not to be confused on what the NSCN (IM) is doing for the Naga political issue.
He meanwhile stated that the syndrome of “something is better than nothing” had done terrible damage to the political rights of the Nagas and this syndrome is still in danger of getting repeated. He assured that the NSCN (IM) would not betray the Nagas by making “nonsense agreement with Government of India accepting the Indian constitution but keep on defending what God has given to the Nagas.”
He meanwhile stated that Article 371 (A) is a road block to the Naga political solution as this particular article incorporated in the Indian Constitution is “only going to give diminishing return to the Nagas which in real sense of the term means loss of Naga nationality and political identity as a people and as a nation.” On the ongoing conflict in Manipur, it was stressed that the NSCN (IM) has stood firmly as ‘neutral.’
Lieut General (Retd) VS Atem, VC, Member, Collective Leadership pointed out how Nagas defended and stood the ground for the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
He stated that signing the Framework Agreement meant giving recognition to the sovereign rights of the Nagas. Gen Atem pointed out that what exactly paved the way for Framework Agreement is “NSCN’s commitment to understand Government of India’s security issue if Government of India understands and accepted Naga political rights.” This is the crux of the Indo-Naga political talks and how details (competencies) are being worked out for mutual wins for both the parties, he informed.
He pointed out that on the issue of flag and constitution, the Government of India “tried to evade accepting these two crucial issues.” However, he said that the NSCN talk team “talked tough on the Framework Agreement that can never be separated from the flag and constitution as sovereign rights of the Nagas having been recognized under Framework Agreement.” Significantly, Naga flag and constitution symbolizes the sovereign Naga nation like any other nation around the world, he added.
