A citizens group submits an open letter to the Nagaland Chief Minister opposing the NSCN-IM Pan Naga scheme
DIMAPUR — A group of citizens has submitted an open letter dated October 14 to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressing opposition to the Pan Naga proposal, asserting that Nagas of Nagaland will not accept the scheme contrived by the NSCN-IM.
The signatories stated that the Nagas had lived under their own form of governance from time immemorial and demanded from the Simon Commission in 1929 to be left as they were in ancient times.
The letter noted that former Governor RN Ravi had admitted he was not aware of the intricacies of the customs and traditions of the Nagas of Nagaland.
The letter pointed out that in Nagaland, land is owned by villagers rather than the government in accordance with customs and traditions, leading the Government of India to provide special protection under Article 371A of the Constitution.
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The group noted that the NSCN-IM has proposed a Pan Naga body comprising all Nagas of Northeast India residing in separate states to act as a common cultural authority headed by a supreme leader in a socialistic pattern, which they described as contrary to the democratic culture of the Nagas of Nagaland.
The signatories stated that barring territorial physical integration, there is no possibility of Nagaland Nagas accepting the Pan Naga scheme.
The signatories included Takuyaba, Kahuto Chishi, Kevisiezolie Suohu, Dr. Kepelhousie Terhüja, Neisakholie Ziephru, Khekiye Sema, and Thepfulhouvi Solo.