Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 21
NSCN (I-M) chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, today expressed cautious optimism that solution to the protracted Naga problem “is not far off.”
“I believe a time will come when the Nagas view the Indians as their big potential partner, not as their enemy. A time will come when they cooperate and coordinate with each other, but no longer confront each other. And I believe the day is not far off,” the NSCN (I-M) chairman said in his address at the 23rd Republic Day celebration of the NSCN (I-M) at Camp Hebron, some 40 km from Dimapur.
Swu said negotiations between the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India has now entered 15 years and that both parties are determined to work out an acceptable solution based on the unique history and situation of the Nagas and an interdependent relationship.
“However the reality is that we cannot wait for the past leadership to come back and lead the nation. We don’t have to wait for any big power to rescue and liberate us. We don’t have to blame heaven and earth for our failures,” he said and added that the present Naga generation of both young and old and the NSCN in particular are the “prime factors.”
Insisting that the NSCN and Naga people must sail together against all odds, Swu said that those who go against “this reality” are the road blocks in Naga politics.
While appreciating the Government of India for recognizing the “uniqueness of Naga history” and the difficulties faced in the search for a permanent settlement acceptable to both sides, the NSCN (I-M) chairman nonetheless hoped that GoI understand the reality that Naga nation is not their “gift” to Naga people but a “natural entity” to be recognized.
“Our journey for freedom is a tough historical task, but not unattainable. We have come this far and we are ready to go as far as it takes. It is the time to stand together as one, not the time to divide. It is the time to realize our mistakes but not to accuse each other,” Swu said.
On peace and reconciliation initiatives, the NSCN (I-M) chairman said the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has done a “tremendous work” in the past four years and that the zeal of the FNR, the sentiment of the Naga people, prayer support of the churches and step forward by the three Naga political groups are quite commendable.
The NSCN leader however said it would not be an easy road and reminded that seeking peace without resolving the conflict is deceptive and negative. “It would be like planting landmines for the future generations. Our future generations will become the victims of the deceptive peace if we are to seek that kind of peace today,” he said.
Earlier, the NSCN (I-M) chairman also unfurled the ‘Star and rainbow’ Naga flag. Cultural dance from Konyak troupe (Mokah area) and special numbers by Naga artistes Emilo Kithan, Lina Awomi and Diethozo Thakroh marked the celebration. Leaders and representatives of tribal hohos and civil society from Naga inhabited areas attended the R-Day celebration.
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