EMN
Dimapur, September 9
The ACAUT Nagaland has clarified its objective for calling a Common Platform meeting on the theme ‘Nagas’ opinion on peaceful settlement’, in Dimapur on September 12 following allegations from certain quarters that the organization was overstepping its mandate in raising the theme for public debate. ACAUT in a statement reminded Nagas that on October 31 following the ACAUT Naga Public Rally in Dimapur where more than 40,000 of the people participated, three resolutions were adopted, of which two were purely political resolutions.
“One was the adoption of “One Government One Tax” where tax is inextricably linked to the larger Naga political issue. The other was “the Naga public re-affirms its support for the Naga movement and strongly urges the Government of India to settle the Indo-Naga imbroglio at the earliest.”
Accordingly a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on November 30, 2014 during his visit to the state to inaugurate the Hornbill Festival, 2014, the statement said adding ACAUT Nagaland has always been facilitating settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue. “Contrary to some perceptions, the intent of the Common Platform is not to undermine or go against the on-going negotiations. For instance, history is clear that Nagas derived their moral strength through the enactment of the 1951 Plebiscite and this was achieved with the active participation of existing NGO’s such as the Naga Youth Movement and the Naga Women Society, who played an active role in reaching the message of freedom to the grassroots levels under the dynamic guidance of AZ Phizo.
It was a stupendous task at that time without any communication or conveniences as we know it today that resulted in 99.9% of the Nagas opting for Independence. Such an exercise of garnering mandate from grass-root level is the epitome of legitimacy.”
The ACAUT said, in order to facilitate a clearer vision based on an inclusive approach, it is empanelling personalities to deliberate on the theme in an effort to help understand immediate circumstances and raise concerns of the common man.
YAN for Common Platform
The Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) strongly supported the proposed “Common Platform” by ACAUT which is slated to be held September 12 at 3 p.m. DDSC Stadium, Dimapur.
A statement issued by YAN President Hetoi Chishi and Spokesperson Alise Sangtam mentioned that the Naga people from all walks of life desired for Naga unity and fraternity. Besides current framework agreement or other issues, intelectuals and young leaders will ventilate their minds on the current state of affairs for strengthening peace among the nagas, YAN added.
Keeping in mind the sensitiveness of the Naga political nature, YAN said, every stake holders and bonafide Nagas are responsible and have the right to know the best for their future.
“Nagas are suspicious in nature that wrong speculations can lead the Nagas into worse situation unless one is freely given the chance to personally take part and witness what actually is going arround.” Maintaining low profile by the Naga Hoho and NCD at this juncture was an act of maturity, YAN said and appreciated their concern for the Nagas as a whole.
Meanwhile, the YAN informed all the Naga youth in and around Dimapur to acknowledge their participation in thes event. All the YAN active members, colony and Ward Youth Associations/Organizations have been informed to mobilize their members for mass participation in the programme.
Proposed ‘Common Platform’ not imperative: NSF
The office of the Naga Students’ Federation is of the opinion that when all the Naga mass based civil organisations are taken to board with the signing of the ‘Framework Agreement’ of the 3rd August 2015 through consultative meetings with both the signatories. The Federation considers that, the proposed common platform to be organised by the ACAUT as not imperative at this juncture and is apprehensive as to whether the meeting will be productive or instead be detrimental to the hard earned peace process and political talks.
The NSF shall not be a party to the common platform called by the ACAUT but is of the firm opinion that the Peace Accord is based on the larger interest of the Nagas and to further strengthen the cause of the people. Meanwhile, the Federation request all the federating units and subordinate bodies to adhere to the stand of the Naga Students’ Federation.
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has requested ACAUT to cancel the proposed ‘Common Platform’ programme slated for September 12 under the them ‘Naga Opinion on Peaceful Settlement’.
NCD said it is ‘constrained to request for cancellation of the said programme in the best interest of all.’
