Kohima, Feb. 7: The apex tribe bodies, along with Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), Naga Hoho and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), held a coordination meeting today at APO building, Kohima.
The meeting, which was attended by 155 members from 14 tribe hohos including youth representatives from several tribes, had a threadbare discussion on the standoff between the state government and the tribe bodies.
The marathon meeting lasted for almost five hours, and ended with an eight-point resolution. The consultative meeting was attended by members of Naga Hoho, NTAC, JCC and tribe representatives from Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Sumi Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organisation Nagaland, Rengma Hoho, Angami Public Organisation, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Pochury Hoho, ENPO and its federating units including Sangtam (USLP), Konyak, Phom. Tribe bodies like Yimchungrü, Chang and Khiamniungan were represented through the ENPO.
The house unanimously decided that chief minister TR Zeliang should step down on moral ground within a period of three (3) days, with effect from February 8.
The house further resolved ‘not to attend the 8th February consultative meeting convened by chief minister TR Zeliang and also any other such meetings in the future to be convened by the chief minister.’ In the event of any leader attending the meeting, he/she will be treated as anti-Naga, stated a joint press release from NTAC and JCC on Tuesday.
“The house fully understand that the resultant loss of precious lives, injuries to several others and damage to properties was due to the betrayal by the cabinet to the gentlemen’s agreement of 30th January, 2017, signed at Chumukedima,” it stated.
“Adding salt to insult, the chief minister TR Zeliang instead of owning moral responsibility and stepping down, continue to hold office and has even continued with his contempt and insult towards the tribal bodies and the public,” the statement read.
The two organisations also pointed out that ‘the CM has even called in the army for Flag March against the people’s movement,’ adding that ‘this is ridiculous for the reason that such an exercise is required only when the lives of the people are at threat and not against government functionary.’
“TR Zeliang has sufficiently exhibited his unconcern to the sufferings and pain faced by the people. What he has been doing this far is by giving a deaf ear to people’s suffering and preparing to do anything to achieve his wishes. Such a mentality is a threat to social peace and life and therefore is not only acceptable but demands immediate remedy,” stated the joint statement.
As such, the tribe hohos have resolved that ULB elections in Nagaland cannot be held until and unless thorough amendments were made in the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, by safeguarding the powers conferred under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.
They have demanded the state government to immediately issue an order nullifying the ULB elections in Nagaland.
“The cabinet’s decision to submit a memorandum to the prime minister of India, seeking for exemption from Part IX A of the Indian Constitution should not be submitted under any circumstances since the Nagaland Legislative Assembly is fully empowered to take its own decision on this matter.”
While asking the state government “not to politicise this historic movement under any circumstance(s)”, they have also demanded suspension of the (former) commissioner of police, Dimapur/police officers, officers-in-charge of Longleng and Longkhim police, and all the police personnel involved in the ‘inhuman firing.’
The meeting of the apex tribe hohos also unanimously resolved to authorise JCC and NTAC, Kohima to spearhead the movement, while also affriming to abide by the decision and direction of JCC and NTAC, Kohima till the demands are fulfilled.
Earlier on the day, leaders of the respective tribe hohos assembled at the graveyard of the two slain Naga youths and laid wreathes ‘in honour and respect to their sacrifices.’
During the function, volunteers from Angami Youth Organisation sang Ara Kezivi (My beautiful homeland).
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has informed that it would not attend the meeting called by chief minister TR Zeliang of various civil societies on February 8 at Kohima “as it totally contravenes the demand of the NTAC and the JCC resolution.”
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the CNTC stated: “The present incumbent CM rather needs to humble down to the people’s demand and pave the way for an amicable settlement for its people before it is too late. The concocted measures of twists and turns that has taken place over the last few weeks shows the lack of statesmanship, sheer arrogance and total breach of trust of not only in the eyes of people but of God too by TR Zeliang and his hordes of cabinet legislators.”
It also stated that the Naga Hoho, ‘during this recent social unrest and upheaval’, had disappeared completely from the picture and after the cancellation of ULB elections by the combined efforts of JCC, NTAC, CNTC, APO, CPO and ENPO resurfaced ‘to claim the credit.’
“But the Naga people know very well who are really standing for Nagas. If Naga Hoho is still a principled body and claim to be the apex Naga organisation, they should have remained with the Nagas in all through the thick and thin come what may.
“The president of the Naga Hoho, Chuba Ozukum has also been excommunicated by his own apex tribal body Ao Senden and to resign from the Presidentship of Naga Hoho but his adamant and stubborn natures proves that he does not respect and care to the call given by his own people who sent him to represent in the organisations, it stated.
The Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee (LHJAC) has also expressed support to the ultimatum served by the NTAC and the JCC to TR Zeliang. It informed that the LHJAC was ready for the next course of action if Zeliang refuses to step down.
It has also assigned the Lotha Students’ Union to ensure that no government vehicles ply the roads at Wokha town on Wednesday.
