It was clear from day one what drove the formation of the ‘opposition-less government’ in Nagaland. The narrative marketed to the people on the Naga political issue by the powers that be—including the NDPP-BJP-NPF led United Democratic Alliance government—was unconvincing and deceptive.
If anything, it is the coming Assembly Election in 2023 and not the Naga political solution that the political parties in power are more interested in. Now, the talk is about the NPF and NDPP merging ahead of the elections next year. A new dangerous path of money power and political immorality is unfolding in Nagaland. Our people cannot be fooled any longer.
Since unity and solution were offered as the main reasons for the formation of the opposition-less UDA, the people of Nagaland have the right to know the real intention of the NDPP-BJP-NPF government.
1. Even after the unceremonious formation of the UDA with the oft-repeated slogan ‘to facilitate the Naga political issue’, the ground reality does not square with the tall claims about finding ‘one solution without any further delay.’ In the interest of the Naga public, we demand to know:
How the ‘opposition-less government’ has contributed to taking forward the Naga peace process and where does it stand today?
What measure/s have been taken by the UDA government to bring the Naga Political Groups together in a common platform towards ‘one solution’ as desired by the Naga people.
In fact, under the present set of political leadership the conduct of consultative meetings, setting up of committees and passing of Assembly resolutions have been going on for decades in Nagaland but without the desired outcome.
2. Also, contrary to the main objective of unity, solution and peace, the UDA government’s decision pertaining to creation of new districts, in some cases, could create a situation that threatens peaceful co-existence.
Boundary demarcation has the potential of leading to more division and trust deficit in the community. In keeping with its motto of ‘unity’, the government must thoroughly explore all options through dialogue and understanding to find amicable solution for peaceful co-existence of the different communities.
Conclusion
The Naga Rising in an earlier statement had expressed concern that Nagaland under the opposition-less UDA would witness an absolute and autocratic government, one that enjoys power without responsibility with unfettered control over resources and decision making.
The convenience of having the so-called ‘opposition-less govt’ in Nagaland cannot be missed. Our people must wake up from the deep slumber. It’s time to come together and rise up to the challenge.
May God give us the wisdom and courage to rebuild Nagaland.
Issued by The Naga Rising in public interest