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Dr. SC Jamir (right) during an interaction with Nagaland University students at RCEMPA, Jotsoma, in Kohima on May 24.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 25 (EMN): Development in Nagaland has been hindered ‘by many elements even if we want to carry on’, according to the former chief minister of Nagaland, Dr. SC Jamir.
Speaking during an interaction at the 26th annual parting social of the Nagaland University Students’ Union at Jotsoma village in Kohima on May 24, Jamir said that those ‘hindrances’ were ‘obstructing the forward march of Nagaland and compelling us to function in manner that we are going today’.
Responding to a query concerning his ‘vision for Nagas’, Jamir said his vision was that Nagaland shall be like the ‘spirit of Israel and should have the will to survive and surpass’. Nagas, he said, should have discipline, transparency and honesty in order to provide a clean and transparent governance.
Asked about the ‘difference’ he noticed between Nagaland and the places he has served, Jamir said people in other places were peaceful, well-ordered and therefore able to carry on their developmental activities peacefully without any hindrances from any elements.
When asked by a student if the present Nagaland political system would have been different if he were still the chief minister, he refused to make any comment and stated that when he was the chief minister, he strictly followed the constitutional authority entrusted on him by Naga electorates.
Asked of the ‘secret’ behind his success, he said the principles which have helped him succeed and withstand many changes, temptations and challenges were his commitment to his profession, honesty and uprightness. The biggest for any person, he said is the ‘self’ and the biggest challenge for any person is the temptation for an ‘individual benefit’.
When queried by a student on why Naga people living in Assam, Manipur, Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh were not included in the formation of Nagaland state, Jamir replied: “it was their fault, not ours – at that point of time.’
He explained that in 1960, the Naga representatives went to Delhi asking for integration of Nagas, and subsequently made an appeal to all the neighbouring states to join Nagaland after formation of the state. However, he stated that ‘they kept quiet for 20 years’ and also when Nagaland ministers went to Ukhrul in 1961 asking the people to join and be a part of Nagaland, ‘they refused stating that they are happy in Manipur and wished us best of luck.’
Stating that the Naga political issue is ‘causing a great concern’ to the Naga people, Jamir maintained that in a democracy if the future of the people is to be decided it should be in the knowledge and consent of the people for whom it is made.
Reiterating that Nagas should not be divided, Jamir maintained that ‘unless we present a united voice to the government of India, they will not give weightage to our voice’ and asserted that Nagas must have a single united voice for Naga people so that the GoI can pay attention to ‘what we say and what we wanted to.’
He expressed delight that fortunately, today with 7 NNPGs in negotiating table, obviously this will be the united voice of Naga people. He expressed hope that they will not fail the Naga people at this ‘very critical juncture’.