Dimapur, June 18 (EMN): Amid backlash from several civil society organisations and political parties over his statement on the protracted Nagaland political issue, Nagaland BJP President Temjen Imna Along on Friday expressed regret if his views shared on air had “hurt the sentiments of any Naga individual/organization/Naga Political Groups in any way”.
Along, who is also the minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, received flaks from several quarters for his recent statement on a television channel that “any solution that would come should be under the constitution of India and it should be under the Indian union”.
Through a press note, a copy of which is available with this newspaper, Along stated that “Nagas have a long unique civilisation and precious lives and resources have been sacrificed in safeguarding this unique history and identity”.
“Over the decades, many strides have been made towards fulfilling the long cherished aspirations of the Nagas. In the course of the Negotiations and talks, both the sides have made compromises on their respective stances. Nevertheless, Naga representatives have been able to make the Government of India understand and accept the uniqueness of Naga history. Even so, the talks have hit a deadlock and consequently a stalemate,” he wrote.
She stated that the solution to the protracted Naga issue should be charted, which is the aspiration of Nagas and the need of the hour.
“We cannot afford to drag this unresolved issue any longer. To this end, as the present situation and trajectory of the talk's stands, I am also impelled to endorse the view of the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue that the stalemate on the current issue can be settled in a pragmatic and rational manner which is acceptable to both the sides. This is not to say that Naga aspirations should be entirely forfeited but that a constitutional process be carried out while charting out a long lasting honourable solution for Nagas,” hr wrote.
Along went on to state that at this critical juncture, “Nagas should pay heed to the clarion call of clear conscience and invoke providence from our Almighty God so that Nagas stand together as a people with love, respect and humility and give out a strong unified voice”.
To achieve this, he said Naga civil societies have tremendous potential to play a proactive role in bringing all sections of Naga society together to reason out collective wisdom towards a sustainable common future of Nagas.
While expressing regret on his recent interview to a TV channel, the minister appealed to all the Nagas as well as the government of India that “an honourable and sustainable solution be worked out so that tomorrow's generation of Nagas will live with dignity”.