Clarification

The Nagas in Myanmar, surprised over the press statement titled, ‘NTLCC on CM’s visit to Myanmar’ that appeared on the on the 3rd December 2016 edition of Morung Express, hereby issue this clarification as necessitated to avoid any misgiving among the Nagas and all readers. The statement that mentions regret (during Nagaland’s CM Yangon visit -November 27, 2016) for not officially inviting the Naga Traditional Literacy and Culture Central(NTLCC), officials of the Naga Self-administered Zone, Naga members of parliament, NSCN-K and Council of Naga Affairs was, in the first place, never issued by the NTLCC. It is pertinent to mention that Nagaland CM visited Myanmar on matters purely related to governmental business, and not for any specified meeting with Naga leaders here. As such, no official invitation was given to any individual or organization. However, due information was given to the office of the Naga Self-administered Zone, Naga parliamentarians and Naga civil organizations. On request by the CM’s team, the Naga People Organization (NPO) with Naga Student Organization(NSO), Myanmar oversaw the reception and pertaining arrangements. Union parliamentarians(Nagas) and heads of Naga Self Administered Zone could not attend the reception and side meeting with the CM owing to certain party engagements and time constraints respectively. The concern individuals however, duly conveyed their regrets to be missing the meeting. On inquiry by Naga leaders, it came to light that the statement was authored by a certain Naga businessman based in Mandalay, the intention and reason of which are only known to him. Therefore, it is hereby clarified that there is no discontentment or dissatisfaction whatsoever among the Nagas in Myanmar that resulted during Nagaland Chief Minister’s Myanmar visit. His encouragement in the line of Nagas’ development and peace is highly appreciated by one and all. Also, the callous act of implicating esteemed Naga civil organizations or political organizations like NSCN-K for selfish purpose deserve condemnation. Any attempt to depict the unity and brotherly co-existence of all Naga families in Myanmar in a contradictory manner shall not be tolerated in the future.

S/d U Hla Phey Founding Member, Naga Traditional Literacy and Culture Central, Myanmar.