EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 21
The GPRN/NSCN group, led by Chairman Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak and General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi, has made it clear that neither the Nagas of Nagaland nor their lands could be sacrificed to fulfill the political aspiration and desire of Nagas living in the states of Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh.
In a press release issued today, the outfit stated that it would not accept imposition of NSCN (IM) peace deal in Nagaland because the political future of the tribes of Nagaland is best understood by the people alone and therefore it is theirs to decide.
“GPRN/NSCN shall however respect and appreciate any political arrangement or accord that recognizes Naga ethnicity, history, culture and which improves the living standard of our brethren in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
“SS Khaplang’s agreement with Union of Myanmar is therefore acknowledged for it is changing the lives of Naga brethren living in Myanmar for the better. ‘Historic’ is what the 3rd August peace accord has been described by signatories. Nagaland state government is forced to smile and applaud along the dark alley,” it stated.
The group also said that the Naga Hoho has “long sold its soul to the devil” with each member expecting a ticket to Heaven! “Nagas in the state of Manipur are celebrating joyously and rightly so. Strangely inhabitants of Nagaland state are eerily silent.
“From academicians down to patriotic farmers ploughing their fields has little reason to be optimistic. The pertinent question is, for whom is the accord historic? It is undeniable that the issue of Naga integration, which was unheard of till recently, had shaken and destroyed the age old cordial relations of Naga people with the Maiteis, Kukis, Ahoms, Arunachalis and other neighbors. Suspicion and hatred against the Naga people is at boiling point. Who is responsible for rousing Naga neighbors’ anger?” the outfit wondered.
It narrated that on September 18, 2010 – under the aegis of the Forum for Naga reconciliation (FNR), at the highest level summit of Naga political groups at Ikishe Village, Dimapur – Th Muivah had declared that inclusive reconciliation among the Nagas was not possible.
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“Again on 29th February 2012, at Agri Expo ground 4th Mile, Dimapur, in front of fifty thousand Naga gathering, he declared that Naga sovereignty and Integration was not possible at a present time. The same idea was expressed in other FNR organized highest level events which were all recorded.
“One thing is clear, NSCN (IM) was working for an alternative political arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur and was implying Gen Khole Konyak and N Kitovi Zhimomi to seek political solution for the state of Nagaland since integration was ruled out by GOI,” it stated.
The outfit further reminded that the “present Nagaland state” is the cradle, the genesis and an epicenter of Naga political struggle. “Every village in the state of Nagaland has a story to tell. Many past leaders, both freedom fighters and civil society leaders who betrayed the Naga people’s aspirations have paid dearly with their lives.
“Of valor, grit, endurance and sacrifice the British noticed aplenty during the two great world wars and post-Independent India, the military commanders experienced much when Nagas took up arms in defense of their homeland. Lives were lost; properties destroyed but human spirit triumphed,” it reminded.
It reminded that Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju have, in no uncertain terms, assured the Chief Ministers of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh that the present state boundaries shall not be altered whatsoever.
“As such when Mr. Th Muivah or VS Atem says that Naga integration issue is still alive, it sounds absurd and stupid. There is no hiding place. Surely Mr. RN Ravi and Mr. Th Muivah must have signed the accord fully understanding and agreeing what was dead and what was alive. The color of the peace accord of 3rd August 2015 has faded too early in Nagaland.
“The GPRN/NSCN would like to convey to the Government of India that without assessing the pulse on the ground the solution to the seven decade old Indo-Naga political issue would not end through a photo session with the leadership of one group.”
If Peace Accord of 3rds August between GOI and NSCN (IM) is a process so be it. Nagaland tribes are well aware that sans integration, the issue of accommodation and rehabilitation of Nagas from other states into Nagaland must be on the table, it added.
“Areas such as Intangki reserve forest and other foothill areas should not be considered in any manner for rehabilitation to anyone since all Nagas have their lands though under different administrative zones. Nagas are intolerant when it comes to their precious land.
“No portion can be gifted to a friend or foe. Dispensing any area without the consent of Nagas of Nagaland would be unwise. Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Tribal Hohos of Nagaland and other customary bodies in Nagaland could advise GOI on such issues.”
It shared strong belief that it is best for Nagas to pursue socio-cultural, spiritual and emotional integration and maintain pan-Naga vision while progressing according to one’s own genius in one’s own domicile. “Peace is required in every society but if it is forced down the throats of citizens, it would be very, very unfortunate.”
