The ‘Working Group’ (WG) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) comprising of– GPRN/NSCN ‘gen.’ (retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak & N. Kitovi Zhimomi; NSCN (R), NNC parent body led by Z Royim & V. Nagi; NNC/GDRN led-by Kiumukam & Hetoi and NNC/NPGN led by Hozheto & Tsangthungo has slammed the state government for “lack of leadership, character, integrity and statesmanship.”
In a joint statement, the group accused the present government of thriving on doublespeak, duplicity and corruption. “For long T.R. Zeliang and his cronies had played with the trust and sentiments of the Nagas and had reached a saturation point where they rejected all sensible views and suggestions of the people, who elevated him to the position,” the group stated.
However, NNPGs said that the tribes of Nagaland made it clear that they would “not just watch their future unjustly dictated by few men drunk with power, money and insatiable ego”.
Tribes of Nagaland will defend their inherent right just as the two young men from Chiechama, Aonokpu villages who lost their lives and the injured youths from Longleng, the group added.
The NNPGs said it rightly rejected “all anti-people policies being hatched by a handful of people in power”. While pointing out that the tip of the iceberg was 33% reservation issue, NNPGs said “deep beneath, there is a sinister policy to destroy the social, historical, political and religious foundations of the Nagas”.
In this regard, NNPGs said the tribes of Nagaland would not be wrong to act in the interest of their land and people.
“Tragedy befalls upon leaders who impose despotic ideas against overwhelming public opinion,” the group said, adding, it was natural “when peaceful democratic protest fails to attract the attention of the remorseless men in power, the people restores peace, often through volatile conduct as deemed fit by the common people”.
The group went on to state that the loss of precious Naga lives may not move the chief minister and his cabinet to tears, but it was also unlikely that the killing of Naga youths would stop Nagaland tribes from protesting against the inefficient and disturbing policies of the government. Further, taking a dig at the January 30 agreement, the group said that the extraordinary decision of the state government, betraying the Church and the people of Nagaland, does not bode well for the future.
While stating that the government looked “very very ordinary and incapable of protecting the people’s interest”, the group urged the state government, without any delay, to invite the tribal hohos of Nagaland and initiate a dialogue process in order to fulfill the people’s demands and to restore confidence.
Meanwhile, the working group has also appealed to tribes of Nagaland to stand united during such testing times and explore all options without resorting to violence and destruction.
It is a time to exhibit our courage and determination through oneness of purpose and restoration our inherent right, the group said.
The group conveyed condolences and expressed pain over the loss of precious youths– Khriesavizo Metha of Chiechama village and Bendangnungsang of Aonokpu Village at the hands of state force, and pointed out that the state government must take full responsibility for the events at Dimapur and Longleng.
They were of the firm belief that the death of the two youths would strengthen the resolve of the people against destructive policies in our land.
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