It’s Time to Wrap Up Naga Peace Talk, says Naga Hoho
It’s Time to Wrap Up Naga Peace Talk, says Naga Hoho
We are entering a new era; no longer should Nagas be asleep. Once again the Naga Hoho reiterated the need to resolve the decades-old Naga political problem by urging Nagas not to miss the bus again, over the emerging significant opportunity
We are entering a new era; no longer should Nagas be asleep.
Once again the Naga Hoho reiterated the need to resolve the decades-old Naga
political problem by urging Nagas not to miss the bus again, over the emerging
significant opportunity. The Naga Hoho also underscored that, the Prime
Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, both leaders have
assured that the government of India was prepared to resolve the Naga issue at
the earliest. Thereupon the NH reminded the Naga people about the missed
opportunity in 1965 when Nagas missed a solution to resolve the issue. It is
now over 50 years after the first opportunity was missed and, today, Nagas are
in a threshold of resolving the Naga issue which they should not let it slip
away. Further, The Naga Hoho also urged the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) not to
let down the people but to take bold, decisive decision to press for solving
the issue and to make it clear whether they want to resolve the issue or not.
NH stated that, the 213th report of Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Home Affairs had recommended conclusion of Naga peace talks at the
earliest. Therefore, the NH urged the Naga people to stand united in support of
an early solution to the Naga political issue. NH also added that, when the
central government is showing interest to permanently settle the decades-old
Indo-Naga political issue, “We should not miss the golden opportunity.” The NH
also stated that a massive infrastructural development needs to be carried out
in Naga inhabited areas with a special attention from the centre. Further, the
NH underline that rapid economic development of the area is the best antidote
to Naga people in this fast changing globe. The NH further stressed that, the
younger educated generation is restive and frustrated because of lack of
employment opportunities in the area, and this segment is the most potential
for fomenting unrest society. Therefore, while drawing up various modalities or
common draft for a solution of Naga problems, recognising the historical and
political rights of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonance with
their distinct identity wit due regard to contemporary political realities and
socio economic development, including programmes for human resources
development, should be treated as the greatest priority.
Furthermore, the NH underscores that, Nagas wherever they
are, there is always a spiritual longing to be together. And to fulfill their
urge and aspirations and without disturbing the territorial integrity or the
autonomy of the North-eastern states, there should be a Pan-Naga Cultural and
Traditional League or Association, provided other Nagas living in other states
voluntarily agree to join the league. Should other Nagas agree to join, then
the constitution and rules may be framed collectively by Naga representatives.
This body will be solely a cultural and traditional matters. Meanwhile the Naga
Hoho maintained that, The greatest dream in the heart of every Naga is for a
better future. The greatest desire and pursuit is to achieve this dream. To
implement and achieve this goal, the mandate of the people becomes paramount
and with it to pursue the goal with commitment and honesty. NH further stated
that, human being of all ages, genders, nationalities and ethnic groups are in
the search for purpose and significance. Similarly, Nagas are in search for our
identity and significance in human society. Deep down in every Naga heart,
there is an unconscious awareness that the solution to the present dilemma and
predicament cannot come from the way we pursue or attempt to resolve the Naga
problem. This is the most propitious opportunity for the Nagas to bury their
hatchets and unite, and through the collective effort and political wisdom and
foresight, design a political frame-work or common draft reflecting the urges
and political aspirations of the Nagas and present it to the government of
India for a final political settlement.
The Naga Hoho meanwhile stressed that everyone is realising
that the Naga peace talks have gone far too long. And it is high time that both
agreements that were formally signed with the NPGs should be announced
officially by the Government of India without any hesitation. The Naga Hoho
questions the Government of India for the ‘delay’ in finalising the Naga peace
talks and emphasised that the common people are anxiously awaiting the final
announcement of a solution. Furthermore, the NH stated that, the Government of
India has already made it “amply clear” that the Flag and a separate
Constitution cannot be accepted. Therefore, The Government of India should be
bold to declare that the problem should be resolved. They should call the two
parties (NSCN-IM and NNPGs) to announce the solution because Naga people are
suffering way too long. Naga Hoho further, stated that, The Framework Agreement
was signed between the NSCN (IM) and GoI on August 3, 2015 in Delhi, while the
Agreed Position or Preamble was inked with the NNPGs on 17th November 2017,
which was led by N Kitovi Zhimomi. It is the outcome of political wisdom from
all parties, so Naga people should honour it. Naga Hoho underlined that “now
that everything is completed, why delay?” The more the delay, the credibility
and the sanctity of both the agreements inked so far will be disparaged.
The Naga people as well as the people of Northeast want to
be equal with the rest of the world. This is possible when the people are
pragmatic and realistic. We are not living in a dream world. Changes are taking
place not only in the outside world, but also in our own state. The Naga Hoho
acknowledged and appreciates the NPGs fighting for an independent nation. Naga
people should recognise their sacrifices and contribution for the sake of the
Naga people. Subsequently, the NH also added that, whatever possible under the
present circumstances, whatever is drawn up, let’s be proud of that. The Naga
Hoho urged upon the NPGs to tell the Naga People that they have tried for so
many years, but this is the only possible thing which is available today under
the present political environment. This way the Naga People will be happy
because the Naga people also know what can be achieved and what cannot be
achieved as we are not living in the past. Therefore, let us make new history
for Naga people by accepting the contemporary political realities.
In this regard, the Naga Hoho underlined that every section
of Naga society longs for peace, progress and prosperity. Naga people should be
realistic over the rapid changing of times. Meanwhile, the Naga Hoho also
maintained that, the Naga political issue is an issue that concerns all Nagas.
And every Naga has the right to voice his or her opinion, because Naga
political issue is not an issue of a particular individual or groups. Further,
The Naga Hoho also stated that, Naga should keep abreast with changing times.
The Naga people especially the younger generation, wants the truth to emerge.
If we were to move forward to catch up with other advanced States of the
country, we must reorient our mindset to be in tune with the contemporary
political realities and socio-economic development because the future prospect
of Naga people would largely depend on how it responds to the changing
contemporary realities and also the actions and inactions of leaders to face up
to such realities. Furthermore, the Naga Hoho stressed that, it is the desire
and prayer of every Naga that their land should be a role model for the
country. With peace and stability, Naga people can develop by leaps and bounds.
It is inevitable that growth of wealth leads to more opportunities for
individuals, especially the educated youth which leads to a social
transformation. The future of Naga is bright because an overwhelming majority
of the people of Naga wants it. The youth of the Naga people want it.
Collectively, we can make it happen.
Furthermore, The Naga Hoho also urged the Naga people to
join hands and support the negotiating groups to bring the Naga political
solution to a logical end at the earliest. This is the finest time for a
solution instead of pointing fingers at each other with political vendetta for
personal vested interest. The Naga Hoho further added that, the political talks
between the GoI and the NPGs are positively progressing, and the Naga people
expect a solution sooner than later. The NH hope that Government of India will
bring out the common draft as the negotiation is long enough, and it must have
a logical conclusion within few months.
