DIMAPUR — The Naga Hoho has asserted that 2025
cannot be just another year of waiting and hoping, but it must be the year of
Naga political solution.
In a press release, the hoho on Monday said that Nagas
cannot afford to continue living in the “comfortable lie of lethargy while the
world watches our slow downfall.” A peaceful, just, and honourable settlement
is absolutely necessary, it said.
“A political solution to Naga issue lasting more than seven
decades cannot be postponed forever, and Naga political issues cannot be put
off forever. The issue of political disagreements that exist between India and
Naga must reach a final resolution,” the hoho said.
While welcoming the efforts of all the Naga political groups
(NPGs) to bring “solutions,” the hoho stressed the need to prioritise the Naga
solution when discussing any political settlement.
It said that Naga people have observed in the past how
golden opportunities have dwindled due to the divide-and-rule policy on the
part of government of India.
“The Naga Hoho urged all parties involved in the Naga peace
talk to engage in constructive dialogue to comprehensively end the media war
and swiftly implement effective solutions to address the Naga problem resulting
from the conflict and division amongst ourselves.
“The Naga people need solution. Solution is the ultimate
prize for the Naga people. Together, let's lay the groundwork for solution. And
let's nurture a culture where equality, peace, and justice thrive,” the hoho
said.
The Naga Hoho also maintained that there is a clear signal
from Delhi that the Government of India is serious about concluding an
agreement if all the Naga political groups can come together with a “common
draft” for all Nagas.
The hoho went on to question that if all the Naga political
groups are “really fighting for the betterment of Nagas,” then they should come
together with a common draft to usher in the required solution for Nagas, be it
small or big.
“Unless Nagas voice out their desire for all entities to
come together, the Government of India will unlikely take steps in this regard.
Naga tribal leaders are also ignoring certain aspects of unifying all sections.
“The Government of India must also reach out to the people
of Nagas and convey its position on the Naga issue by providing the common
draft. This will surely help to build trust and bring about a peaceful solution
to the Naga issue. Therefore, the Government of India must use a bottom-up
approach to deal with the issue while considering all the stakeholders. This
approach includes using the reach of various NG0s, among the people, to bring
the shared goal of different groups together.”
Meanwhile, the Naga Hoho conveyed hopes that the Government
of India will complete the signing of the “agreement” in 2025 itself.
“Will this year bring in the promised peace and prosperity
to Nagas? Nagas are awaiting political solution more than anyone else, we Nagas
have to make up our minds. What do we want? How do we want to achieve what we
want? Or should we pursue the ongoing journey to destruction by way of
promoting mutual hatred and confrontation? The peace process has been going on
for quite some time now since it started in 1997,” the hoho questioned.
Additionally, the hoho disclosed that according to GoI,
there is nothing much to discuss and debate, as all contentious issues have
been discussed.
“We Nagas have to be reasonable. We have to understand that
our own whims and fancies cannot decide a government policy.
“The government has its own set of rules and regulations;
some of them required to be amended in Parliament. Why then prolong a solution
which is at our doorstep? There is a catchword statement now, and everybody is
trying to blame the Govt. of India. People say Gol has not taken things
seriously. But New Delhi is waiting for the Naga people to accept the
“contemporary reality.”
Further, the hoho maintained that Nagas deserve peace and
development more than anyone else.
“The onus is on us to grab the opportunity. Is it wise to
drag things on for years and decades when they are no longer relevant under the
present conditions? Let us take a pragmatic approach and embrace solution for
lasting peace and development.
“To achieve comprehensive and sustainable peace, Naga
political issues must be made an urgent priority in efforts to stop the
division amongst the Nagas. 2025 is our turning point. If we do not unite now,
we will continue to be scattered and forgotten. The world is moving forward,
and the only way the Naga people can ensure ourselves is a ‘Just Naga political
solution’ across every Naga tribe, across every Naga land,” the hoho added.
