DIMAPUR — Member of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, Kraibo Chawang, reminded that NSCN leaders are not confused and know exactly what is all about spearheading the Naga political movement under the leadership of chosen leaders.
Stating that a confused man is a lost and dangerous man, Chawang appealed to the Chakhesang people not to be confused about what NSCN is doing for the Naga political issue. He stated this during a consultative meeting with the Chakhesang region in Zhavame village on October 10, which was attended by Chakhesang civil society organisations including representatives from the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
He said, "Identity and land cannot be separated because it is our land that gives us our political identity as a nation and we have to fight for it." He added that Nagas have fought for more than 75 years at the cost of many precious lives and the loss of properties.
He minced no words to make the Chakhesang community understand that within the annals of the Naga political movement, the mindset of "something is better than nothing" had done terrible damage to the political rights of the Nagas. He emphasised that this same mindset remains a looming threat, susceptible to resurgence through the actions of deceitful individuals clamouring for a Naga solution.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He, however, stated that the NSCN has taken a “nothing is better than nonsense” stand and will not betray the Nagas by entering into a nonsensical agreement with the government of India, accepting the Indian constitution. Instead, they will continue to defend what God has given to the Nagas.
Chawang added that the NSCN had never given up fighting for ‘what is right for the Nagas’ under the banner of "Nagaland for Christ." Despite enduring a challenging period, the organisation persists in anticipation of the realisation of the Framework Agreement.
Regarding the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo, he stated that the NSCN maintains a neutral stance, a position recognised by the Indian government as a ‘gentleman’s stand.’
Another member of the collective leadership, Lieutenant General (retired) VS Atem, pointed out how Nagas defended and stood their ground for the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
"After the Nagas under the NNC declared Naga independence on 14th August 1947, Nagas never wavered. When all the princely states of India joined the Union of India, including the Lushai and Khasi-Jaintia, Nagas refused to join," Atem said.
"When the Indo-Naga political talks ended by signing the historic Framework Agreement, it meant giving recognition to the sovereign rights of the Nagas," he added.
Atem highlighted that the NSCN's pledge to comprehend the security concerns of the Government of India, contingent upon the understanding and acceptance of Naga political rights, laid the foundation for the Framework Agreement.
"This is the crux of the Indo-Naga political talks and how details are being worked out (competencies) for mutual wins for both the parties," he said.
Emphasising a key aspect of the Indo-Naga political discussions regarding the pivotal matters of the flag and constitution, Atem underscored the Government of India's attempt to avoid acknowledging these crucial issues. Despite this, he highlighted that the NSCN talk team adopted a firm stance on the inseparable nature of the Framework Agreement from the flag and constitution, considering them as the sovereign rights of the Nagas. Atem asserted that akin to nations globally, the Naga flag and constitution served as symbols representing the sovereignty of the Naga nation.
Atem affirmed that Nagas cannot be fooled to repeat the flattery of the past.
On the political status of Manipur in relation to the merger agreement with India vis-à-vis the Nagas, he said that the agreement that covered only 700 sq. miles has nothing to do with the Naga areas. According to him, it was just a matter of force that Naga areas were made to be part of Manipur.
Kilo lilonser, Major (retired) Kewe Mero, Education kilonser Jongpongsashi Longkumer, and Chaplee Affairs kilonser, Zhehoto Awomi, also spoke in the meeting.