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Dimapur, Oct. 7 (EMN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) along with its seven federating units -- Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS) Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU), Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), Tikhir Students’ union (TSU), United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA) -- and 63 orchestrated clusters consisting of 451 sub-ordinate students bodies kick started its public walkathon in all the tribal headquarters, administrative headquarters and sub-divisions of eastern Nagaland region as part of its first phase of agitation for a separate Frontier Nagaland state.
In a press release, the student body stated that the ‘agitation was peaceful and democratic wherein denizens from different walks of life joined the walkathon which includes leaders of civil societies (CSOs), church, village elders, students and general public. The consolidated gathering marched to the nearest cluster hub holding placards which was followed by short programme’.
‘The chronology and background on the demand of Frontier Nagaland were elucidated in respective tribal vernacular languages which was initiated by seven tribal apex student bodies leaders in 63 orchestrated clustered. Seven tribal bodies under ENPO i.e, Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC), Konyak (KU), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USSP) and Phom Peoples’ Council (PTC) and ENPO leaders spoke besides participating in the walkathon,’ read the press release.
‘Speeches on pivotal importance on Frontier Nagaland Statehood Demand were expounded holistically by the ENSF officials endorsed in seven tribal headquarters of its federating units. The said walkathon saw the ambiance of seven eastern brethren cohesiveness witnessed more than three lakh participants, which is believed to be the largest walkathon public movement in the history of eastern Nagaland. The midst also ushered in revived the general public a decade old quest for frontier Nagaland/statehood demand,’ it added.
“The federation lauds all the seven federating units, sub-ordinates for their pro-activeness and showing exuberance and steadfast in all the prompt and impromptu directives bestowed to them and the general public for their active participation; and furthermost urge to maintain the same zeal forth and also to remain conscientious against all odds as the very movement and the demand is the sheer responsibilities of the all denizens of eastern Nagaland which is based on our constitutional and historical rights,” it said.
Speaking at the event, ENSF President Chingmak Chang “stressed on socio economic, developmental and political aspects of eastern Nagaland wherein a colossal deprivation has metered towards the eastern people since time immemorial under different leaders and government. The denizens were never embraced as the brethren rather treated as second a class citizen of the state and the trajectories which has predicament toward the quest for the frontier Nagaland”.
“Today the easternmost region of Nagaland frontier to Myanmar, erstwhile Burma, remained a poverty-stricken remotest land, with no plausible sign of development in the region and hems in with largest number of educated unemployed youth, pathetic road condition, lack of human resource development, infrastructure etc. albeit the long 59th years of its existence after the attainment of statehood.
“Inter alias the federation also stated that it will not imbibe any lacuna in quest for Frontier Nagaland statehood demand and will remain steadfast and consistent in its pursuit till its demand is materialise. The federation also sent a strong message to the Prime Minister of India stating that the federation is very much serious over the ongoing demand and seeking for his immediate intervention. The Federating units of ENSF also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India through the deputy commissioners in support of Frontier Nagaland demand,” it added.