(Contd.from previous issue)
The GoI will do well to recall that Nagaland tribes are the supreme lawmakers or law breakers in their own land. Their political sense on land is keenly reflected for centuries. Beyond Naga civility and inborn decency, no outsider dare trespass and cut a blade of grass in their territory. "Agreed Position" calmed the nerves of Nagas. Interlocutor Mr. R.N Ravi admitted that Nagas have strong political foundation and basis to pursue right to self determination. Agreeing that solution will be worked out basing on contemporary political realities, the delay is breeding anti-social elements in Nagaland. It is time for GoI to take the call.
THE STATE GOVERNMENT:
Today, the sixty elected members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, representing sixty constituencies of Nagaland, must take a public stand. Enough consultations with Nagaland tribes, civil societies and Naga negotiating groups have taken place. There has been a number of committees and platforms to facilitate and assist the negotiators. Despite the best efforts, the stalemate persist. To the misfortune of Nagas, all politicians are blessed, or rather cursed, with three tongues. One for themselves, the other for their party and the third for their future. Former Governor R.N Ravi announced in the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on 17th Jan. 2020 that negotiations have concluded. Has the facilitator become a political harlot, in the arms of anti-solution elements? The 2018 election slogan of "Election for Solution" cannot be repeated in any manner. We will not accept a recycled slogan.The wilful collective betrayal by political parties will naturally lead to serious repercussions. WC, NNPGs will take appropriate decision at an appropriate time. The treachery and deceit against the people of Nagaland have a price to pay. The current oppositionless government and its predecessors, at every opportunity, claim they are prepared to pave the way for Naga solution. God in Heaven knows what transpires once they land in New Delhi. They are elected by electorates of Nagaland, and not by Manipur Nagas, Arunachal Nagas or Assam Nagas. They represent the people of Nagaland alone and no other state. We acknowledge the desire of the elected representatives to give a final push to usher in solution by forming an oppositionless government. On 1st April 2022, the state Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio and oppositionlessUDA Chairman Mr. T.R Zealiang reaffirmed to WC, NNPGs of their commitment to Naga people that they were ready to pave the way for solution. Now, with a five year tenure slated to end in months, we believe it will be in the interest of Naga people to translate words into action. Our great hope in the days ahead is that the august house and members of NLA collectively will look at new direction, as primary stakeholders for the future, will put in papers en-masse, to enable an inclusive transitional arrangement for implementation of the Indo-Naga Agreement, for an enduring peaceful coexistence. This, we believe, will be a practical stance to prove who are, and who are not, for honorable and acceptable future of our children and grandchildren. We all must seek the Lord's wisdom.
QUESTION OF NAGA SELF DETERMINATION:
The late Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru described the status of Nagaland on August 19, 1946, in connection with the proposed British Colony of Couplan Plan, as; " The tribal areas are defined as being those long frontier of India which are neither part of India nor of Burma, nor of Indian states nor of any foreign power"
History is clear. It was not heavily armed Naga soldiers who staged a walkout at Kohima ground on 30th March 1953, much to the astonishment of Indian Prime Minister Nehru and his Burmese counterpart U-Nu, who had to address empty seats. The evaporated audience were plain everyday village folks who came to listen and wanted to be listened to. They were disallowed from airing their grievances to the leaders.The spontaneous walkout was a Naga way of conveying, "It is our land, not India's or Burma's, leave us". In the months ahead a miffed Nehru flooded Nagaland with Indian Army. By early 1954, the simple village boys and farmers had galvanised themselves into fearless warriors, unbeatable Naga Army, ambushing mighty Indian forces at will. Today, the very sensitive Nagas await Prime Minister Modi's sincere assurance to solve the Naga issue. If co-existence, respecting each other's history and right, as declared, in "Agreed Position" is devalued, WC, NNPGs will have no option but to call upon the Naga tribes for public reiteration and reaffirmation of MAY 16, 1951 PLEBICITE for NAGA INDEPENDENCE. This is the original position of the Nagas. Gandhian principle of Non-violence or AHIMSA did not say India must remain free and peaceful while small nations like Nagaland be crushed and suppressed for another thousand years. Honorable and acceptable Naga solution is paramount. The wisdom of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will matter most in the coming days. Hurting the Naga sentiment is insulting the core Naga pride and this should not happen again in our lifetime.
(To be concluded...)
N. KITOVI ZHIMOMI,
Convener, WC.
ZHOPRA VERO,
Co-Convener, WC.
Y.WANGTIN NAGA,
Co-Convener, WC.
HOZHETO CHOPHY,
Co-Convener, WC.
KIUMUKAM YIMCHUNGER, Co-Convener, WC.
TOSHI WALLING,
Co-Convener, WC.
ISAK SUMI,
Co-Convener, WC.
