Dr. S.C. Jamir, Governor of Odisha is the son of Naga soil who is considered as one of the eyes and thoughts opener to the Nagas in every occasion. I am happy to be a close friend of him and co-worker ever since 1957 through NPC/Naga Peoples’ Convention. During my association I found in him with genuine suggestions in every Committee meetings. He is a resourceful person as well as with full of enlightenment. But at the same time his suggestions and proposals also attracted discussions, debates and criticisms from the people. At this old age and as a fatherly figure to the Nagas, Dr. Jamir still do not hesitate to speak out words that might echo divisions and disunity in the Nagas’ Society especially at this crucial juncture. For me as a person I give blessings to the 3rd, August Framework Agreement that was signed between the Government of India and the NSCN( IM ) because we have promised to the Naga people to bring peace and prosperity since the 1960’s and still remains ever committed to the Nagas today whether the Nagas be from within the present Nagaland or outside Nagaland or outside India( Konyaks, Khiamniungans, Yimchunger, Kukis Pouchury etc etc. Specially my friend Dr. S.C. Jamir and me are physically and personally committed to bring peace and prosperity to the Naga people and people of India in general. My hope and prayer for “Acheni” Dr. S.C. Jamir to remain as a blessing giver to the Nagas young generation and remain as a fatherly figure to all the Nagas who had been suffering for the last more than 60 years.
The 3rd. August Framework Agreement signed between the GOI and Nagas Freedom fighters was very clearly telecast across India and the World as well as it was published on 4th, August 2015 as statement given by Gen. V.S. Atem ( Retd). As a senior leader and as a well wisher of the Nagas we can understand even though every minutest details which will come in course of discussions may not be communicated to every one of us at this juncture. Before I started appreciating the commitments of the NSCN ( IM ) I had studied everything in details about the workings systems of their organization. I met Lt. Khodao Yanthan, former Vice President, NSCN ( IM ) and had detailed discussions who told me that – Quote “Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah will not cheat and betray the Nagas”.
Unquote. These words still rings in my ears. On further inquiry I found that all the Social and Political Organizations are supporting the Peace Talks taking place between the GOI and the NSCN (IM). All sections of the Naga people are supporting and had authorized and reauthorized the NSCN ( IM ) group to start negotiations on behalf of the Nagas.. It is not only my thinking but it is also the thought of the Nagas in the present Nagas’ Society. The Nagas, where ever they are, I have to be with them because I have been a leader for more than 50 years for which I cannot take back my words against the wishes and aspirations of the Nagas towards finding an acceptable and honourable political Solution.
The majority of the Nagas were not signatory to the 16 Point Agreement. Though the 16 Point Agreement was initiated by few educated Naga people the Nagas were convinced to accept the Agreement and form a State Govt and till today the State Govt of Nagaland is looking after the welfares of the Nagas. has also changed the whole Nagas’ Society from poverty to prosperity and I am happy to announce that many Nagas, both boys and girls are in abroad earning their livelihoods and carrying the very good name of the Nagas in foreign Countries even having Nagas Society’s Associations in many foreign Countries. When we study the Peace Accord vis a vis future challenges, there is something behind the screen as per what has been expressed and written by Dr. S.C. Jamir in the local dailies however the unity of the Nagas has to be preserved by all means. He had said Quote “ inclusiveness of all sections of the Nagas in the final political talk’ Unquote which is not possible for every Naga to be included or associated with the talks, Though final political talks may not be finalized yet but if it is not according to the genuine wishes and aspirations of the Nagas this may be rejected by the Nagas in general but when the process is going on I invite all the politically experienced people, Political Philosophers and Political thinkers to contribute your view points to the person who are engaged in the Political negotiations with the GOI. I also invite all the underground factions to unite and support the ongoing Political Talks so as to bring final and lasting political solution. Whether you are personally involved in the talks or not your presence is there as everyone of us is a Naga and whether all the factions of the underground are there or not their sacrifices and contributions and their physical and mental sufferings will not be forgotten as it is recorded in the Naga History. The struggle which was neglected for a long time during the tricky Congress regime has now been changed. We should praise Prime Minister, Narendar Modi ji who having deep political visions and with humanity at large has fully accepted the proposals/suggestions of the Nagas freedom fighters. Let us not think or do anything which might trigger and encourage disunity among the Nagas at this juncture.
All the Congress appointed Governors have resigned and vacated their posts and responsibilities but Dr. S.C. Jamir the latest appointed Governor by the earlier Congress led UPA Govt. was made to remain by Modi ji for his being a Naga and Dr. Jamir also played Modi ji’s favoured politics, As far as I know Dr. S.C. Jamir is a confident friend of Modi ji so he should not play any tricky politics that opposes Modi ji policies and programs especially in context to the decades old Nagas political issue.
Dr. Jamir has mentioned about the Look East Policy of the GOI with suggestions and advises for proper implementations and executions of works through the Look East Policy. I do agree to his points but nowadays North East Council is manned by the Govt. officials which rarely takes up the interests of the common people in the NE. The NEC was formed because of my personal discussions with former Prime Minister, Lt. Smti. Indira Gandhi during 1981-82 with the suggestion to form a Committee to look into the common development activities in the North East and also Congress Committee Constitution had given a provision to use Khadi Dress by all Congress party workers all over the Country. Lt. Smti. Indira Gandhi formed a Committee to suggest and recommend these two issues to the Government of India for further discussions and necessary action. Accordingly the following Members were nominated by Lt. Smti. Indira Gandhi – 1. Lt. Venkataraman, Ex President of India, as Convener. 2.. Pranab Mukhurjee, present President of India. 3. Lt. C. M. Stephen, former Union Minister. 4. Lt. A.R. Antulay, former CM of Maharsatra. and 5.. T.A. Ngullie, former Finance Minister Nagaland. The Committee after several rounds of meetings recommended – 1. to form the North East Council. 2. to relax and exempt the use of Congress Party’s Khadi dress Code for the North East party workers. After the formation of the NEC the developments was to be imparted through a Single channel in uniformity throughout the whole North East. The NEC was to be manned by a Chairman/ a Governor of any of the NE States on rotational basis. These NE Governors are made to involve in developmental activities unlike Governors of other States. Further a Ministry for looking into the affairs of the NEC and North East was to be created which is to be manned by a Union Cabinet Minister who shall apprise the Prime Minister from time to time.
After the formation of the NEC the initial roads connectivity in the North East started in few very vital locations and routes such as - the Wokha – Merapani Road, Wokha – Bokajan Road., Mokokchung – Mariani Road, Mokokchung.- Amguri Road., Mon-Sonari Road, Wakching – Naginimora - Assam Road. etc etc At the time when Nagaland Govt. undertook constructions of these roads, the Assam Govt. did not take up any such roads constructions within Assam due to shortage of funds. Accordingly the NEC was initiated and money was handed over to the NEC for all interlinking roads to Assam such as Nagaland to Assam, Mizoram to Assam, Manipur to Assam, Sikkim to Assam, Arunachal to Assam, Tripura to Assam. All the North East States Roads have to connect Assam and as such Assam is considered as the father-like State. This was suggested and drafted and submitted to the then PM Lt. Smti, Indira Gandhi and this is how the NEC was formed.
Now it is felt that the repairs, strengthening and up gradations of all the existing NEC Roads and Bridges is an urgent and utmost necessity in the whole North East especially in the State of Nagaland. I on behalf of the people of the North East appeal to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi ji to give a special attention for the developments of the North East through the NEC which is the only Common Development Agency for the North East.
T. A. Ngullie,Ex Finance Minister Chumukedima
