Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 21
A chorus of ‘one Naga entity’ resonated today at Hebron, the NSCN (IM)’s Council Headquarters, where the Naga Political Group (NPG) celebrated the 43rd Naga Republic Day on March 21. Leaving aside differences and coming together as one was evident in the messages delivered by frontline Naga civil society organizations, cutting across the pan-Naga community, irrespective of political borders, at the programme today, which was addressed by the NSCN (IM) President, Q Tuccu.
Tuccu, in his address, asserted that the issue of sovereignty, flag and constitution remains the “three biggest determining factors” to making a solution to the Indo-Naga dialogue honourable and acceptable despite what he termed as “forces at work to wreck the Framework Agreement (FA).” While maintaining that the 24 year-old dialogue with the Government of India (GoI) was initiated based on the principles of “shared sovereignty” with India, he said that it implies establishing a new political arrangement that provide for an “enduring inclusive new relationship with the Government of India.”
According to him, the Naga national flag and the Naga constitution (Yehzabo) represents the Naga political entity as a nation, as acknowledged in the FA and that there can be no political solution without it. On the contrary, he held that the GoI is trying to undermine the FA. Terming it “a well-planned treachery” to bulldoze the will of the Naga people, he claimed that a “Re-edited version of the 16 Point Agreement is at work.”
“We have to face this situation boldly as our right is not being honoured. We should instill in ourselves the courage and determination to stand by the Framework Agreement which is the only acceptable basis for the Naga solution… a unique solution to Naga issue will come only when the Government of India honour the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit,” he said.
There were 16 Naga civil organisations in attendance, besides the Naga Hoho, Naga Council Dimapur, Global Naga Forum, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association, Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, Nagaland GBs Federation and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation. From Manipur, there were the United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur and the Naga Women’s Union. From Assam, there was the Rengma Naga People’s Council and from Arunachal Pradesh, the Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Front (TCLPF). A message from the Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Myanmar, was read out by a representative.
Unity of Nagas before solution and the protraction of the political talks featured prominently in the messages from the civil society organizations. The Naga Hoho President, HK Zhimomi, while remarking on a perceived divide in the Naga society, appealed all groups to unite in the interest of the people as “There can be no solution without unity.”
Chuba Ozukum of the Global Naga Forum attributed the “current impasse” to an attitude that is stuck in the past. “We cannot move forward as a result. Seek forgiveness for the wrongs inflicted (by you) and forgive others for the wrongs inflicted on you. Dedicate yourself jointly to the negotiation for an undivided Naga homeland,” he said.
NSF President, Kewolo Tep equated the gathering to a symbolic and emerging Naga family. He though reminded that the threat to the “Naga future” lies in the failure to forge a unified Naga front.
The UNC President remarked that the Naga people tend to dwell in the glories of the past. He rather called for a serious rethinking and changing “our policy” to carry forward the negotiations.
Rekindling the dream of common hope was the message from the Naga Women's Union, Manipur, while the ANSAM reminded of the toll division has exacted on the people, particularly the youths.
The ENPO called for shedding narrow tribal attitude, stating that inclusivity should be the mantra when it comes to the Naga issue.
The RNPC pointed to a perceived sense of division when Nagas differentiate Nagas based on borders. “We need unity first. But how can we unite as one when we are discriminating based on the states we have been placed in. Remember, we are still Nagas. Don't forget us. Consider us.”
The TCLPF, while underscoring the importance of co-existing with neighbouring states and peoples, expressed hope that with the signing of a final deal, the people of the three Naga inhabited districts in Arunachal Pradesh would witness development.
