EMN
Dimapur, February 25
Responding to the statements made by five Naga political groups (NPGs) on Naga political issue which appeared in local newspapers on February 24, particularly the portion that questioned the activities of the Parliamentary Working Committee of the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum on Naga Political Issue, a rejoinder issued by Chief Minister TR Zeliang and NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo said, the election manifestos of all political parties in Nagaland have always included the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue as one of its agendas or goals if elected to power.
“This is sought to be done, not by active participation in the political dialogue between the Govt. of India and the NPGs, but by acting as a facilitator to the peace process. It has now been widely accepted that the Naga political issue does not belong to the NPGs alone, it belongs to the entire Nagas as a whole. It, therefore, follows that the elected representatives of the people have a duty and responsibility to help and facilitate the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue, which has been dragging on for the last six and half decade or so, seriously affecting the lives of every Naga in many ways.”
The rejoinder pointed that Nagaland Legislative Assembly had constituted a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Naga Political Issue even during the tenure of 11th House.
“In the present 12th House, all the 60 elected representatives of the people have decided to come together, and to form an opposition-less Government, with the main objective of facilitating the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue. Towards this objective, all the 60 Legislators of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, irrespective of party affiliations, had constituted the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum on Naga Political Issue. This Forum had further constituted a 23 member Parliamentary Working Committee, consisting of representatives of all Naga tribes and political parties having representation in the House, and the two MPs of Nagaland.”
The rejoinder said, PWC met the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Minister of State for Home, the Interlocutor to the Naga political dialogue in the month of July 2015, and requested them to expedite the Naga political dialogue.
“This year, in the month of February, the PWC made a second trip to Delhi to meet other important political leaders, who could not be met during its first trip. The PWC met Amit Shah, BJP President, Sonia Gandhi, Congress President, Sarad Yadav, President JD (U), Anand Rai Absul, Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party Leader in the Lok Sabha, Dinesh Trivedi, Trinamul Congress MP in the Lok Sabha, and Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (IM).”
The rejoinder said the purpose of the PWC in meeting the various political leaders of the country was to brief them about the unique history of the Nagas, and their political struggle, right from the submission of a memorandum by the Naga Club to the Simon Commission in 1929, the various agreement entered into between the Govt. of India and the various Naga organizations, both overground and underground; and also to seek their support in Parliament as and when the issue of final settlement of the Naga political issue comes up, either for amendment of the Indian Constitution, or for enactment of special Acts by Parliament.”
The duo felt that the campaign was not pre-mature, as when the final agreement is arrived at, and bills are introduced in Parliament, the PWC may not have opportunities to meet various national political leaders, and discuss the Naga issue in details with them.
“So, we feel why we should wait till the last moment. In any case, we are assured by the parties to the Naga political dialogue that before signing the final agreement, all important stakeholders would be consulted. So our activities are not to be misunderstood as giving a blank cheque to the Govt. of India and the NSCN (IM) to ink any agreement they deem fit and proper.”
On queries raised in the joint statement of 5 NPGs, the rejoinder said it is basically a preamble, setting out the commitment and intention of both the parties to resolve the Naga political issue at an early date.
“We also understand that the final detailed agreement will be worked out in consultation with all the NPGs of Nagaland, and other important Naga organizations, including the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum on Naga Political Issue.”
“We also have faith in our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as well as the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) that they will work out a solution that is beneficial and honourable for the Nagas. If we feel that the final agreement worked out by the parties to the dialogue is not beneficial or honourable for the Nagas, we still have the right to make suggestions so as to meet the expectations and interests of the Nagas.”
The duo felt that it was the opportune moment to brief the Indian political leaders about the Naga issue, and to lobby for a wider support to the Naga cause, that will help in expediting or facilitating the final resolution of the Naga political issue.
The PWC welcomed the broad-based consultations with all stake holders, including the NPGs, so that all may work together in the spirit of oneness and unity to strengthen the Naga political cause.
