‘We have fought for too long’

Nagas taking part at the rally called by the NSF seeking early & honourable solution to the Indo-Naga peace process in New Delhi on Wednesday. (IANS Photo)

Naga rally in New Delhi calls for an early, inclusive & honourable solution 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 25 

The Nagas people, on Wednesday, came together in New Delhi to hold a rally with a call for an early, inclusive & honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga peace process. 

Thousands of Nagas came together to attend the rally, organized by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in collaboration with the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) under the theme, “Implement the Principles of Framework Agreement.” The rally began from Mandi House till Parliament Street, New Delhi.

A press statement issued by NSF stated that the decision for the rally was taken against the backdrop of reported Prime Minister’s advice to RN Ravi to find solution in three months, within the constitution of India; which directly negates the principle of the Framework Agreement (FA) signed between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM). 

The rally witnessed Supreme Court lawyer Prabu; Dal Khalsa spokesperson; Kanwar Pal Singh; Supreme Court lawyer Worso Zimik; Naga Hoho General Secretary Elu Ndang; NSUD president Hinoto Awomi; and NSF president Ninoto Awomi, taking the stage to address the gathering, among others.

 “We admire and respect the sovereign identity of Nagaland. We have respect for the sacrifices you have made for the noble cause, for the just cause, for the freedom of your own people, we are here to express that the people of India - who are also on the same page with you, who are also struggling for their right and freedom - are with you at this time,” Pal Singh stated in his solidarity speech. 

While taking the instance of the genesis of Kashmir and Punjab problem as of “broken promises by the Indian leadership,” he, however, cautioned the Nagas to “remain alert and cautious.” 

Zimik, in his speech, maintained that Nagas are ready to coexist with India in both good times and bad times together and appealed the Indian leadership to honour the FA  and implement its principle.

Earlier, NSF President Awomi, in his address, sought to highlight that Wednesday’s gathering is not a sign of defiance but a peaceful assertion of “our legitimate rights based on historical facts.” 

He pointed out that the FA was signed with the understanding to find model of “solution based on the principles of shared sovereignty between India and Nagalim, peaceful co-existence of the two entities, and unique history and situation of the Nagas.”

The NSF, as the custodian of the Nagas’ future, is compelled to question the sincerity and political vision of the GoI in resolving the protracted Indo-Naga conflict which has cost immense suffering and lives to both the parties, he added.

Memorandum to PM

Meanwhile, a memorandum was also submitted to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the memorandum, the Federation urged Modi not to compare or subject the Naga issue to any other political issues in the country and even abroad and that the promise of a unique solution based on the unique history is brought forth to the Naga people at the earliest. 

While acknowledging that the word inclusiveness has become the most debated word and interpreted according to various perspectives of negotiating parties and even the onlookers, the NSF however said the Naga people have been divided into nation states and also within the parameters of the Indian sub-continent, “without our consent and even our knowledge.” 

Terming this as the most painful subjugation in the history of the Naga people, the Federation therefore said if any solution is sought without the consolidation of the Naga people who are divided and placed into different political administration of India and Burma, it would be self defeating and unacceptable to the Nagas. 

The Federation also categorically stated that Naga people would never accept a solution that is imposed upon them saying, “We shall not accept a solution that is not honourable and also ensure that the dignity of every Naga individual is respected.”

'A future to look forward'

Meanwhile, observing the turn up at the rally, the NSF president expressed optimism that the spirit of Naga nationalism is in the hearts and mind of every Naga youth. More than 4 thousand Naga youth attended the rally despite such short notice, he informed. 

Likewise, Ningreichon Tungshang, a Delhi-based human rights activist and a mother of three children, said that the more than anticipated gathering of youth within short notice reflected, the deep yearning for settlement.

There was a general assumption that post ceasefire children and youths are disconnected from Naga struggle, but today's turnout has sort of breaks the assumption. The youths are active, vibrant and rooted, she added. "We have a future to look forward too."

The GoI as a respectable country in the eyes of the world must honour and respect their commitment and not betray the Nagas, noted the Naga Scholars’ Association president, Dr Zuchamo Yanthan.