Dimapur, August 20 (EMN): In what could yet prove to the clearest indication toward which the Indo-Naga talks – in the backdrop of the framework agreement signed a year ago – is headed, the Naga community from the state of Arunachal Pradesh has announced that they are not opposed to a ‘separate solution’ for the three Naga-populated districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
A press statement on Sunday from the Tirap, Changlang and Longding People’s Forum, stated: “The Nagas of Tirap-Changlang and Longding are not against integration of all the Naga areas but, we will also not oppose if a separate solution for Tirap-Changlang and Longding is granted. Tirap-Changlang and Longding, which is a home to Tangsa Naga, Tutsa Naga, Nocte Naga, Wancho Naga, Ollo Naga or collectively also known as Tangshang Naga is one of the most neglected Naga areas bordering Myanmar.
This statement from the organisation assumes wider significance when seen from the context of the presence of its leaders at the recent celebration of Naga Independence Day organised by the NSCN (IM).
“Tirap-Changlang and Longding, because of its remoteness and inaccessibility compounded with poor and unequal distribution of funds, have been left neglected for long. The maximum fund earmarked in TCL under department of Tirap-Changlang and Longding (DoTCL) till 2016 was only Rs 25 crore whereas the exploding news article as claimed by NTC and published in the local media that, the present Nagaland state has withdrawn and utilised a whopping amount of Rs 2335 crore for public distribution and infrastructural projects within 1 year from April 2016 to March 2017 by only 11 departments is astonishingly jaw dropping. One can well imagine and understand the disparity created among the Naga family in the last more than 5 decades after we were placed under different states”.
Interestingly, the statement also drew comparison between the Arunachal Naga communities’ acceptance of an exclusive arrangement with that of the Eastern Nagaland People Organisations’ demand for a ‘frontier Nagaland’.
“Yet the economic and political situation of Nagas of erstwhile Tuensang Hill district now Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng which became a part of Nagaland from NEFA leaving Tirap Frontier Tract now Tirap, Changlang and Longding behind, does not seems to be quite impressive. Their demand for a ‘Frontier Nagaland’ must be the result of lesser attention being given to them in the present Nagaland state.
“In addition to that, some Naga political groups and civil societies had also categorically, and repeatedly appealed, for a ‘best acceptable and honourable political solution’ for the ‘people of Nagaland or mainland Nagaland’ to the GOI at various level. They have clearly expressed their desire for an exclusive solution for themselves; indicating that, they will not risk to shoulder our responsibility. After sacrificing for years and suffering beyond tolerance in various forms, we also doesn't want that any solution to the Indo-Naga issue in TCL area should be like, ‘jumping from a frying pan to a fire’”, the statement read.
None of the Nagaland governments, since 1963, have attempted to ‘reach us’, it stated. “Neither did they ever tried (sic) to enquire or do an reality check as a Naga brothers and sisters”.
