Dimapur, Feb. 23 (EMN): The Zeliangrong Baudi of three states in the Northeast region and its frontal organizations have rejected the demand of the NSCN (IM) for a “pan Naga Hoho” declaring that “The Zeliangrong people living in the artificial boundary called Assam, Manipur and Nagaland will never accept the powerless and illogical Pan Naga Hoho.”
The media cell of the Zeliangrong Civil Organisations issued a press release on Sunday stating its contentions.
“The Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland and its Frontal Organizations viz., Zeliangrong Pui Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and All Zeliangrong Students Union reject the demand of NSCN (IM) for Pan Naga Hoho during the Indo Naga peace talk/process,” the statement declared.
“The Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) demand extension of the provision of Article 371 (A) of Indian constitution to all the Naga inhabited areas of Northeast India. The Zeliangrong people living in the artificial boundary called Assam, Manipur and Nagaland will never accept the powerless and illogical Pan Naga Hoho.”
The demand has been ‘one of the causes for confusion among the Naga community and ‘further delaying the 23 years long Indo-Naga peace talk or negotiation which otherwise would have resulted to its logical conclusion,’ the press release stated.
The statement also alleged that the armed nationalist group was ‘engaging in deceptive role to divide’ the Nagas.
‘Taking advantage of the ceasefire and political negotiation the NSCN IM has been engaging in deceptive role to split the Naga family particularly the Zeliangrong community which is highly condemnable. It is a known fact that the prolong Indo-Naga peace process have been obstructing peace and development in the region to some extent. Hence, it is the felt need political decision of Govt. of India and the stakeholders to urgently settle the issue.’
The decision of the 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland rejecting the Pan Naga Hoho while welcoming the genuine demand of the working group of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for extension of Article 371(A) in all Naga areas is an encouraging step “towards Indo-Naga peace process,” the press release stated, adding that the Zeliangrong Civil Organizations extend appreciation and cooperation in the matter.
‘Therefore, the Zeliangrong apex civil organizations urges the government of India to bring an amicable solution at the earliest to the Naga people which is acceptable and workable for both the Nagas and India so that permanent peace and tranquillity prevail once and for all in the region in particular and the nation at large,’ the press release stated.