Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22
The ‘ato kilonser’ (prime minister) of GPRN/NSCN, N Kitovi Zhimomi on Sunday questioned whether the demand for Naga integration is a unanimous decision of all the Nagas in Manipur or merely a stand taken by a few hardliners.
The GPRN/NSCN leader threw this question while delivering his address at the celebration of 8th anniversary of Naga Unification inside designated camp, Khehoi today. If indeed, he argued, the demand is unanimous then the state of Manipur would not have a Naga as its deputy chief minister today and Yangmasho Shaiza and Rishang Keishing as its chief ministers in the past.
According to Kitovi, after the 16-point agreement – as per its provisions – the Nagas in Manipur were invited to join the state of Nagaland to which the latter declined. He said that the Nagas of Manipur should stop confusing the Nagas of Nagaland.
After refusing to join Nagaland and “killing off” the signatories of the 16-point agreement “to discredit them”, he said, the NSCN (IM) is now demanding for the same thing that was rejected back then. Integration, according to Kitovi, has now been reduced to Intanki-creation.
This why the GPRN/NSCN has been forced to stand for the Nagas of Nagaland, he said. “Because no one else will protect our rights. We must do it ourselves,” he said while adding that the Nagas of Nagaland have no voice even in the Naga Hoho.
Kitovi said that the time has come for the Nagas of Nagaland to really start voicing out their opinions and defend their rights. As of now the only ones defending and protecting the rights of the Nagas of Nagaland is the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), he pointed out.
On the framework agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India, Kitovi said that the refusal of the NSCN (IM) hierarchy to divulge the contents of the agreement was a clear indication that it is not meant for the Nagas of Nagaland.
Conversely, the candlelit celebration that welcomed the agreement in Manipur also indicates that the Nagas of Manipur are aware of the contents, he said. “Otherwise why would they celebrate without knowing the contents? It shows that they have been told about the contents.”
As such, Kitovi said, the framework agreement is “not a business of the Nagas of Nagaland because its content is not for us.” And hence, the GPRN/NSCN would continue to fight for “anything that is good” for the people of Nagaland.
“We have told you that when the time comes, we will consult you. And today the time has come and we are asking you. What kind of solution do you really want?” Kitovi said.
The president of GPRN/NSCN, Khole Konyak did not attend the celebrations due to ailing health. His speech was however read in absentia.
“It is criminal to force a Naga to give up his right, whether it is a small family inheritance or a Naga political right. Every Naga is a part of the struggle because he has a tree, a stone, a jhum field somewhere passed down for generations as his inheritance.
“He could be a Naga from Myanmar, a Naga from Manipur, a Naga from Assam, a Naga from Arunachal Pradesh or a Naga from Nagaland. If Mr SS Khaplang feels it is practical to sign an agreement with the Myanmar government to improve the lives of Naga brothers and sisters across the international border, who am I, who is Isak Chishi Swu, Shingnya or anybody to oppose such a step?
“In the same manner if Mr Th Muivah and his 3rd August peace accord raises the position and status of Nagas living in Manipur state, there is no reason why Nagas of Nagaland should press panic button. This is why after 3rd August celebratory candles were lit all over Naga areas in Manipur whereas Nagaland was like ghost town,” the speech read.
According to Khole, what pleases the Nagas in Manipur would not necessarily be acceptable to the people of Nagaland. “We must be sensible and understand the situation because the government of India realizes that GPRN/NSCN has the will and commitment to uphold the interest of Nagaland tribes.”
Solidarity messages were shared by Kiumukam Yimchunger, president of NNC (NA), Z Royim Yimchunger, president of NNC, Puthai Lam, kilo kilonser of FGN and Temjenyanger Aier, president of NNC.
Others speakers at the celebrations include the peace activist, Niketu Iralu, L Shalem Konyak, president of Nagaland GB Federation, Leisha Phom, president of Phom People’s Council and Lendinokdang Ao, president of NTC.
Special songs were presented by Alobo Naga, Livika Swu and Venetolu Tureng while a cultural troupe from Showuba Old village presented a Yimchunger Naga folk dance.
