WC-NNPG seeks clarification on Manipur NPF legislators’ declaration

Dimapur, Jan. 21 (EMN): The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) has hit out at the Naga People's Front (NPF) over the alleged declaration made by four legislators of its Manipur state unit, calling upon “the government of India (GoI) to resurrect the Framework Agreement (FA)”.

Terming the FA signed between the GoI and the NSCN (IM) in 2015 as a “deformed document”, the WC-NNPG said the declaration signed by Manipur NPF legislators -- Awangbou Newmai, L Dikho, K Leishiyo and Khashim Vashum – has hurt the sentiment of the people of Nagaland.

It stated that the non-disclosure of FA content since 2017 has raised serious questions among the public while the Agreed Position signed between the GoI and WC-NNPG in 2017 changed the dynamics of political negotiations through transparency and consultation with the stakeholders.

“The Naga tribes, NTC, NGBF, ENPO, CNTC, the Church, Mothers associations, student bodies, young and elderly Naga intellectuals and other civil societies demanded transparency on the Naga issue,” read the rejoinder issued by WC-NNPG media cell.

Stating that such prejudiced declaration doesn’t augur well for the Naga unity and brotherhood, it asked the NPF HQ at Kohima to clarify if it subscribes to the statement of its legislators from the neighbouring state.

It also advised Manipur Naga NPF members not to create confusion and sought explanation from the four signatories on the power sharing deal mentioned in the FA.

“The statement violates the principle of non interference of political parties in the negotiations between GoI and Nagas because constitutionally the four NPF declarants owe allegiance to Indian constitution. To claim that NPF is the only party to stand for the right of Nagas is utterly foolish. NPF is one of the many Indian political parties registered under Election Commission of India,” it said. 

The WC-NNPG went on to say that the “declaration” appeared to have nailed the ruling coalition government of Nagaland to the wall and exposed NPF’s erroneous political gamble. It added that ‘Nagaland government is liable to answer for insulting the intelligence of the people of the state’.

It stated that it “absolutely firm that in order to safeguard the political and historical right of the Nagas and to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity”, the indigenous identity, character and topography of Nagas of Nagaland, Nagas of Manipur, Nagas of Arunachal and Nagas of Assam must be retained, preserved and strengthened.

“Therefore, in the event of any political agreement with the government of India, only Nagas indigenous to these political demarcations shall append their signatures representing respective states or areas,” it stated.