Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JULY 31
Following a marathon closed-door consultative meeting of the Naga civil societies and the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum on Naga Political Issue at the RCEMPA at Jotsoma, Kohima on Friday, the civil societies present have unanimously endorsed the recent five-point resolution passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) July 27 last.
The civil organizations include the Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga People’s Organization, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga Women Organization, Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organization, Chang Khulei Setshang, Khiamniungan Hoho, Konyak Union, Kyong Hoho, Phom People’s Council, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Sumi Hoho, Yimchunger Tribal Council, Zeliangrong Baudi, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said the meeting has been successful as the house endorsed the recent NLA resolution in consensus. Stating that none of the tribal Hohos or civil societies present disagreed with the resolution, Zeliang observed that this is an indication that the Naga people ‘by and large’ want peace and an early solution to the Naga political issue.
He said four resolutions were adopted in the past by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) for the Naga political solution and integration of the contiguous Naga inhabited areas, however there was no follow-up action. But this time, he pointed out, a consultation meet with Naga civil societies and tribal bodies was convened right after the resolution was passed to seek the people’s opinions and views.
“In this interface meet, we have found that Naga people really want early solution for peace and development, and progress,” Zeliang said.
He asserted that the endorsement of the NLA resolution by the civil and tribal bodies is a good sign and a good message to the Naga people as a whole and also to the government of India. He said the Government of India wants to bring out a formula for solution but they are apprehensive that Naga people may turn it down which could result into further deadlock and ceasefire may be abrogated, letting in armed forces. This fear is also with the intellectual group of Nagas, Zeliang said, but he feels that the fear psychosis can be removed if further consultations with Naga people not only in Nagaland but also with those living outside Nagaland are sought. Towards this, he informed that a decision has been made to hold a consultative meeting including Nagas living outside Nagaland so as to have broader-based discussion. For this, the NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo will consult with the NLF Parliamentary Working Committee and fix a date.
‘Prospect of Naga solution higher today’
T R Zeliang maintained that the prospect for an early solution is higher today as the Government of India has come to understand the Naga history and the political problem that has been dragging on for over six decades, and on the other hand, the Naga national groups also understood the difficulty of the Indian government. “If both parties have understood one another then why shouldn’t this problem be resolved?”, he said.
He asserted that things are moving in the right direction and if the people pursue likewise, a final solution to the Naga political problem can be achieved.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also reminded that the Government of India’s interlocutor for the Naga peace talks has committed to come back to the state and have further consultation with civil societies who represent the Naga people.
“This kind of consultation and interaction will bring us together, and the people will understand more about the Naga political problem…. So we will continue to make efforts to bring more Naga people to such meetings,” he stated. In this way, he feels the interlocutor and the Naga political groups who are on the negotiating table will also understand the minds of the people better so that solution and permanent peace will come about. Subsequently, he said, economic independence will also be addressed, not just political independence.
‘Demand for integration, sovereignty not dropped’
When pointed out that basically the Naga integration was being addressed in the NLA resolution while the NSCN (IM) is talking about pan-Naga solution, T R Zeliang said that demand for sovereignty and Naga integration is not dropped. He reiterated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that even if 100% solution is not possible today, 80% can be resolved and the door may be left open for the remaining 20% to come gradually.
If the Government of India says integration may not be possible or sovereignty is not possible, it is their side of the story, but our side is that integration issue is still alive and demand is not being downsized and we will continue with the same objective, he stated.
Zeliang maintained that it is the people’s belief that the Naga political groups will do what is best for the Nagas, and before arriving at any conclusion, any formula or offer given by the Government of India should be taken back to the people for consultation and then go for final agreement.
On the divided opinion of the people on pursuing unity first and then solution or vice versa, the Chief Minister said solution and unity have to go together. Towards this end, he stressed that the process for unity and the process of negotiation and solution will go side by side.
Earlier in the meeting, NLA Speaker and NLF convener Chotisuh Sazo delivered the welcome address while the keynote address was presented by the Chief Minister and all the invited civil societies reportedly participated in the general discussion.
