Longrangty Longchar & Bonnie Konyak
Dimapur | November 26
In the wake of the claimed “unification” of the warring NSCN groups under one banner, the leaders of the “Unification Team” made up of leaders from both the NSCN factions, today declared that the top leadership, that is the chairmen of each faction had been aware of the move to ‘unify’ the warring factions.
Speaking with The Morung Express at Kuhuboto village, the leaders of the NSCN “Unification Team” disclosed that the ranks and file of the NSCN (K) has been aware of the move to unify the warring NSCN factions. “For the NSCN (K), it (unification move) is complete from top to bottom,” said Mulatonu, Senior NSCN (K) Kilonser who was present at the interview.
The leaders also asserted that even the NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu was well aware of the move, and that he had granted approval to the same. Interestingly, Isak Chishi Swu’s younger brother, another top functionary in the NSCN (IM), is also a member of the NSCN “Unification Team.” “We are doing it with the knowledge of Isak Swu and Khaplang,” they affirmed.
However, they also expressed their apprehension that ‘some destructive elements’ might be trying to sabotage the new venture by Naga undergrounds. “Anyone who will be opposing the unification process will be making a mistake,” warned Mulatonu. Any leader who opposes this unification, the Nagas should judge,” said Singson, another NSCN (K) Kilonser, “I think the Nagas should feel happy and come forward (to this unification process).” “Any Naga leader who is against the unification move is not a Naga,” affirmed Hothrong Yimchunger, Steering Committee member.
Dispelling apprehension that the ‘Unification Team’ would form a new Naga underground faction, the leaders present asserted that the new unified organization would be known only by the name ‘NSCN’, with no discriptors like ‘K’ or ‘IM.’ “When we say NSCN, we mean Nagaland (and not Nagalim),” declared Mulatonu.
However, the leaders disclosed that the new unified NSCN would be following the old NSCN constitution drafted many years back during the heights of the Naga movement. Both the NSCN factions are using a single constitution. On their future course of action and dealings, the leaders said that the final decision would have to be taken by the Naga people themselves.
Invitations to all the ‘Naga’ tribal Hohos have been sent and the leaders would be meeting them at the convenience of the Hohos from today onwards and take their views and opinions before finalizing which course of action to take.
On the issue of ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhuls by the NSCN (K) last year; the leaders said that the fate of the Tangkhuls and other issues would be taken by the Naga people themselves. “The decision of the Nagas is the decision of the nation,” said Mulatuno. The leaders also disclosed that their meeting with the tribal bodies would finalise all other loose ends like who will head the organization. “We are waiting for the mandate of the people”, they repeated.
However, the leaders asserted that the Cease-fire with the Government of India would be continued and on issues like talks with the Government of India, they said that they would have to start a “new beginning”.
On the question of the Nagas living in Myanmar, Mulatuno asserted that the Naga political problem has to be solved once and for all and said that the Naga problem cannot be solved in ‘piece-meal’, he asserted pointing out that sovereignty should come first and then integration would come.
However, on being asked a direct question about the Central Government’s attitude at the new turn of events, Mulatuno replied that the Indian government must do its own duty and they would carry on their own duties. Elaborating on the word ‘duty’, Mulatuno said that the GOI cannot direct the ‘NSCN’ with set of ‘dos and don’ts’ likewise the NSCN cannot be given orders or given with ‘dos and don’ts’ by the Central Government.
Justifying their move, the leaders of the NSCN ‘Unification Team’ reiterated that the Naga people have for so long been clamoring for peace and end to fratricidal killings among the Naga underground factions, ‘which is exactly the desire of the Naga people’.
“We sincerely believe that this unification process is through the miraculous hands of God. We appeal to all the Naga people and churches to sincerely pray for the fulfillment of the unification process,” said Azheto Chopy, former NSCN (IM) Kilo Kilonser and Convener of the Unification Team.
