The Working Committee (WG) of the NNPGs is grateful to God for enabling us to enter into a political dialogue with the Government of India. We are also grateful to Naga public, Naga friends and well wishers for the unflinching support at every level. As the Committee enters into a crucial stage of intensive negotiation, we appeal for prayer support from all sections of people so that we play our role responsibly.
We are very much encouraged to notice that all prominent Naga civil bodies have voiced for the smooth transaction of negotiation process without undue hindrance from any quarter. The expression of anxiety once the Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections is set on the process is genuine and at the same time when political negotiation is actively on the advanced stage, the state election will definitely have serious ramifications. Indeed, elections in Nagaland at this point will have negative impact on the process.
The resolution adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly recently urging the GOI to defer elections is appreciated. While a periodic democratic exercise is vital to all citizens, Nagaland and its inhabitants cutting across electoral party affiliations, tribes, Naga political groups, religious denominations, civil bodies, village chiefs etc. have taken a stand: Keep elections aside and solve the seventy year old Indo-Naga political problem. This is an unprecedented show of unity of purpose by Nagas and clearly an extraordinary situation which the election commission of India (ECI) must duly take note. A people on a path towards a negotiated political solution must not be forced to engage in electoral battles. Cordial and civil expressions of Apex Naga bodies should be respected because forceful measures lead to social unrest.
The NNPGs sincerely calls upon all intending candidates in Nagaland, irrespective of party affiliations, to stand by our people’s commitment. If the Election Commission of India (ECI) insist on conducting elections despite the call of deferment, in our ancestral land, the people will decide what is appropriate. Fulfilling Naga people’s political aspiration is far greater than indulging in electoral exercise. We urge all our leaders to focus on finding a political solution. We are on a threshold of a decisive moment in our existence as a people and nation. Now is the time for leaders to exercise utmost reasoning and align with the people.
The Committee therefore appeals to GOI to appreciate the sentiment of the people and act positively to pave a way and create conducive atmosphere for smooth negotiation process thereby the entities could derive honourable and acceptable solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga political problem.
Media cell, Working Committee, NNPGs.
