There is no shame in standing for reconciliation: Gen. Khole

Honorable General Secretary of NSCN, N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener NPAC and esteemed members of the NSCN party. It is almost 60 years since I joined the Naga political movement as a young soldier. God Almighty has been the saviour, protector and defender of our land and people. Dear comrades, Christ alone is the source of all our hopes and visions. I may sound a little blunt but it is time we return to Christ, the saviour of Nagaland. We cannot take His mercy and grace for granted. I appeal to all the distinguished national workers sitting in front of me in this august assembly today to turn away from the path of greediness, jealousy, self-enrichment and rebellious existence. ‘Nagaland For Christ’ is our slogan. It means we must salvage our Nation as well as our own souls. If each one of us lives a Christian life, I believe God and the Naga people will empower us more.

In the past, God gave us the courage and patriotism to trouble the mighty Indian Army. There was complete unity among us. Our love for Nagaland was so fierce and securing her freedom was our only goal. As the years rolled on, we got new provisions of semi and automatic weapons from friendly countries however we also had to encounter new adversary in the form of our own brothers and sisters who had fallen prey to enemy’s trap. At one point of time, the Naga National Council (NNC) was the only political institution of the Naga people. However, with the signing of the Shillong accord in 1975, the NNC ceased to command the respect of the Naga people.

The formation of the NSCN by Isak Chishi Swu, S.S Khaplang and Th. Muivah in 1980 was necessitated because treachery cannot bring solution to Indo-Naga political issue. Since then,   thousands have been killed by the Indian military and thousands have been killed by our own brothers in our long struggle. God knows that in my own humble position as a military officer, I tried to reason with the learned and educated leaders against infighting and tribalism within us. God is the witness when I saved Isak Chishi and Th Muivah from certain death at the hands of Shillong Accordists. Despite my humble appeal against taking drastic steps, in 1988 NSCN split because the educated leaders began to aggressively and violently interpret Naga political struggle to suit their interest and philosophy. On the eve of the split, patience, tolerance, respect among the members was replaced with hatred, accusations and bloodshed.

I am addressing every bonafide NSCN member today, representatives of Nagas, to exhibit wisdom, utmost patience and tolerance as you continue to play crucial role in the survival of the Naga nation.

Esteemed members, when you impeached S.S Khaplang in the emergency National Hoho of NSCN party on June 7, 2011, from the Chairmanship and presidency, you knew the choice was whether to listen to the Naga people or blindly obey a leader despite glaring constitutional crisis created by him. He warned us not to meet fellow Naga leaders. You, esteemed members, chose me as NSCN Chairman and I have been elected again. This is a lofty position and status I never sought or dreamt of. My prayer is that perhaps God wants me to unite our people and so despite my inadequacies, I have met Isak Chishi Swu, Th. Muivah, Brig. Shingnya, Zhopra Vero a number of times recently, thanks to initiatives of FNR. Despite my appeal for genuine reconciliation, stubbornness and old grudge seems to rule our hearts. No leader seems to truly consider the desire of the Naga people. Old age makes most leaders veer away from reality. We cannot outlive the forest and hills that we once roamed. I feel there are many capable young national workers who could take nobler decisions in the interest of young generations.

Esteemed members please understand that Nagas have been divided into different geographical area without their consent. Nagas everywhere must maintain social and emotional bond yet, practical issues cannot be ignored. Let us not condemn S.S Khaplang outrightly. What he has achieved with Burmese government must be appreciated because the desire and will of the Naga people living in Burma is best understood by him. The Naga people living in Manipur, through the United Naga Council (UNC), too have sought an alternative political arrangement for themselves. We must also understand their position and situation. I believe UNC represents Th. Muivah directly or indirectly. GPRN/NSCN will not object to any arrangement that is acceptable to the Nagas in Manipur state. If Nagas living in different states opt for such political arrangements for their own wellbeing, Nagaland state is the cradle of Naga Nationalism and GPRN/NSCN will not rest until an acceptable political solution is arrived at with GOI. 

 
As we seek reconciliation and unity, Ideas must be exchanged, knowledge must be shared, freedom must be demanded, history must be protected and politics must be practical. My dear members, there is no shame in standing for reconciliation and unity of the Nagas. Let others interpret us the way they like, we know Nagaland needs us. Young educated national workers must start communicating with young generation Nagas, the intellectuals, the civil societies, the tribal bodies, Naga friends and well wishers around the world through which the aspiration of the Naga people could be conceptualized in a practical manner. The idealistic, sentimental, autocratic and ambiguous chapter of Naga political struggle is closed. Naga political struggle is in a nutshell the desire of a people to retain their identity, history, self respect and to co-exist with its neighbours peacefully.