Maj (Retd) RM Lotha
President, GPRN/NSCN
The Lord almighty has never forsaken the Naga Nation despite the trials and tribulations. It is through God’s mercy and forgiveness that we bear witness to the present times. On this historic day 46 years ago, another golden page was inserted into Naga history when a decision was adopted to make the Naga nation a people’s republic conforming to the basic principles of democracy.
I honour the sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots who gave their lives for our homeland. We remember and take pride in their deeds today.
This is the Era of Democracy where the voice of the people rules. Democracy prevailing over the rule of hereditary kings and titles are no more to be inherited, but it is to be earned with sweat and tears.
The Nagas were governed by hereditary elders and kings in village-states. Some areas had weak councils led by autocratic kings, while others practiced a form of democracy. The people highly admired their traditional kings. However, the national movement eventually challenged and transformed this old system.
There was a time when we had to face the Government of India (GOI). Most Nagas, regardless of gender, age, or status, were deeply involved in the movement, and they paid a high price for their commitment. However, this did not lead to any clear results. For example, the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 and the Shillong Accord of 1975 were important steps towards solving the Naga issue and bringing peace to the region. But instead of resolving the Naga issue, these agreements created more divisions and confusion because they did not take all the stakeholders on board while signing those agreements. This is how the Negotiations started and today the GPRN/NSCN partnering with the WC/NNPGs have successfully signed the “Agreed Position” on 17th November 2017 and subsequently completed the negotiations on 31st October 2019 with the Government of India without compromising on the core issues of our History and Political Rights by taking all the civil societies into consideration in the form of Consultative meetings with various organisations, civil societies in different occasions.
“To everything there is time and season” and it is the right time for the Naga People to come together to find a peaceful solution to the long-standing Indo-Naga Political conflict, despite their different beliefs. It is time for all Naga leaders, civil society groups, and National workers to unite on a single platform. This unity will help urge the Government of India to create a “Common Draft” that combines both the “Framework Agreement” and the “Agreed Position” which have been signed between Government of India and the Naga Political Groups and have concluded since 31st October 2019.
The Nagas in general are anxiously yearning for an early solution, since we Nagas have been kept in abeyance for more than 5 years after the negotiations have been concluded. In the event of any untoward situations that arise due to delayed solution, the Government of India should hold sole responsibility. Now, the Ball is in the court of the Government of India whether to strike a final deal and restore permanent peace in the region and open the pathway to secure the future of the younger generations or let the Indo Naga political Conflict continue without any ray of Hopes.
God Bless. Kuknalim
.JPG)
