Naga Youth Movement will hold a public gathering at Lok Bhavan on October 28, seeking time-bound implementation of peace agreements
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DIMAPUR — The Naga Youth Movement (NYM) has called for a public gathering at Lok Bhavan in Kohima on October 28, stating that it has received no response to two representations submitted to the governor seeking time-bound implementation of the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur on Wednesday, NYM member Molung Naga said the movement had submitted a memorandum to the governor on July 8, with an ultimatum ending on October 8. After receiving no response, it held a meeting and submitted a second representation on October 13, which also went unanswered.
“After issuing ultimatum and receiving no response, the NYM has decided to take the voice of the Naga youth and the public directly to the Governor of Nagaland,” he said.
According to him, the NYM had not been granted an appointment by the governor, nor had it been given a reason for the denial. He said the governor was being approached as the representative of the government of India to seek clarity on the delay in Naga political solution.
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“What we are demanding is the implementation of the Framework Agreement made by our leaders in 2015 and the Agreed Position made in 2017. The agreements were signed, but the implementation process is stuck. So, we are simply asking the GoI to implement them quickly,” NYM member Kuhuto Naga said.
He asserted that the movement was not against any organisation or faction and was merely seeking the delivery of the legitimate rights of the Nagas.
Clarifying reports that the movement had demanded the governor’s resignation in its October 13 representation, NYM member Idizeung Naga said no such demand had been made in writing.
“On that very day at Lok Bhavan in Kohima, we stated that if the governor is not going to work for the welfare of the Naga society, then he should resign.
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We, the Naga Youth Movement, never asked for or wrote a demand for the governor’s resignation in our representation,” he maintained.
NYM member Hiketo Naga claimed that the Centre was ready to provide a solution, but disunity and vested interests among Nagas could be contributing to the delay.
“According to our understanding, the Centre is ready to give a solution. However, there might be many reasons for the delay. One reason could be that the factions are asking for too much. Another point could be that perhaps the people who signed the agreement do not actually want to take the solution,” he said.
Elaborating on this, NYM member Ninoto Naga said society was divided between those who wanted a solution and those who did not.
“The reason they don't want a solution is because they are very comfortable with how things are right now. They are so comfortable that they have developed a 'pot-bellied' attitude. Some have created their own kingdoms,” he said.
He also said that those criticising the movement on social media without coming to the ground would be differentiated from the silent majority at the October 28 gathering.
Kuhuto said the movement’s reference to Nagaland was inclusive of Nagas wherever they lived and was not confined to the state. He maintained that the NYM had sought only clarity and time-bound implementation in its memorandum.
Recalling the NYM’s rally on June 27, Kuhuto said the movement had seen the intent of the government of India and that it now depended on how serious the Nagas were about accepting a solution. He said the NYM remained committed to pushing for implementation.
Asked whether the movement had approached the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) ahead of the October 28 gathering, NYM member Atoke Naga said he had personally visited the NSF office to extend an invitation but the federation had not granted an appointment and that the reason was not known to the movement.
According to Atoke, he contacted the NSF a second time and was told that the matter would be discussed internally, but the NYM had received no further communication.
“We are not going against anyone. If there is any misunderstanding, please come, let's sit at a round table, we will discuss and we will collectively make a decision on what is best for the Naga people to move forward,” he added.
The NYM has asked members of the public seeking further details about the October 28 gathering to contact 6909925052, 6909002262 or 9863974036.