Mokokchung, May 17 (MExN): The visiting AICC General Secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Ranjit Thomas today said that the peace talks in Nagaland must be determined by the people of Nagaland and not by somebody else.
“For peace to prevail in Nagaland, he said that it should be determined and talked by the people of Nagaland but not someone else,” said the visiting the AICC General Secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Ranjit Thomas, while interacting with media persons at the Circuit House here this evening. However, Thomas did not elaborate on the word ‘some body else’ which sounded very ambiguous.
Nonetheless, Thomas expressed hope that the people of Nagaland can come to the mainstream and give leadership to India and take part in the growth and success of India in the world, and thereby develop Nagaland. He maintained that the time has come for the people of Nagaland to open up, irrespective of political affiliations, to understand the realities of the world and the day and make the people of Nagaland to share in ‘the happiness and fortune.’
Thomas also made a “humble request” to the people of Nagaland is that they should forget about petty differences and ‘not be chicken hearted,’ but step forward and live in ‘love, peace and harmony.’
However, Thomas, when asked about the role the Congress party’s role in the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks, he gave no direct comments but disclosed that the Government of India in their earnest spirit is involved and that a Union Minister is handling the peace talks, which is privy to the Government officials, under the provision of the Constitution of India, to be determined by the Parliament. Congress as a political party is not in a position to interfere in the talks, he said.
Interestingly, Ranjit Thomas made no comment about the looming differences in the Congress party with regards to the leadership issue in the party.
Thomas disclosed that his current tour of all the district head quarters of Nagaland is purely to meet and interact with Congress party workers and made it clear that this is not an election campaign when asked if it was so. He also said that he is here to examine what the general public expects from the Congress party and added that whether in power or not, the Congress party stands for the people.
On being asked about the speculations with regard to veteran Congress leader and the Governor of Goa rejoining state politics, Thomas cautiously remarked that it was purely his personal concern but added that the party respects Jamir and that they always seek for his advice and guidance.
Thomas, who described the Nagas as positive, progressive, admirable, bold and adorable, opined that if Nagas have proper guidance, and if they are given the chance in the mainstream, and added that the new generation Nagas can compete with any else in the country, being a conscientious and hard working people.
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