Nagas’ future safe under ‘Framework Agreement’: Kholi
Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim celebrated 38th Republic Day on Tuesday at Council Headquarters, Hebron with its vice president ‘gen.’ (retd) Kholi as chief guest. Several hundreds of people from Nagaland and neighbouring states attended the celebration with much fervour.
In the celebration both the leaders of NSCN/GPRN, vice president, Gen (Retd) Kholi and ato kilonser and chief negotiator, Indo-Naga Peace Talks, Th. Muivah echoed that the present and future of the Nagas was now safe under Framework Agreement which was signed between Government of India and NSCN on 3rd August 2015.
Kholi in his message reminded the Nagas that the world “we live in today is not the destination we have set for” saying they must keep moving looking for the future.
He touched upon the changing realpolitik of the state from traditional to modern and drove home the point that “change of our village-state to a nation-state under republic system becomes imperative.”
Kholi’s message, read out by a secretary, asserted that ‘ours’ was a future oriented movement and the revolution continues since Nagas were not safe under the Indian constitution or in the Shillong Accord.
Kholi also expressed concern over the mushrooming factions in Nagaland saying infighting among the Nagas magnify the problem. “NSCN is definitely for solution,” he asserted.
He likened the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement between NSCN (I-M) and GoI as ‘the second bus we can never afford to miss.’ According to him, the agreement embraces all Nagas and their territories and cautioned that rejecting the issue-based agreement would pull back the Nagas decades behind others. Kholi maintained the future of Nagas was now safe under the agreement. In conclusion, Kholi appealed for unity and reconciliation among the Nagas.
In his over an hour speech, ato kilonser Th. Muivah said after years of negotiations, for the first time in the history, government of India recognised the unique history and sovereign rights of the Nagas during the time of NSCN. Basing on this, he said the Framework Agreement was signed by two sovereign nations, Nagaland and India.
He then said the path for Nagas’ future has been set through the signing of the Framework Agreement.
On integration of Nagas, Muivah said after several negotiations, government of India has agreed that “without integration there will be no solution”.
He said government of India has recognised that integration of Nagas as the legitimate rights of the Nagas basing on Naga history and not Indian Constitution. Muivah said “We have agreed that integration should not be through military but democratic process and at the earliest.”
While not directly referring to other Naga Political Groups, the ato kilonser questioned “At this juncture when Nagas have to move forward, why, are you standing adamantly?”
On wanting solution for Nagas of Nagaland, Muivah asked why “they” want to seek different solution for Nagaland state, asking whether the land for Nagas was only Nagaland state.
“Is not all Naga inhabited areas the land of the Nagas? Has their Nagaland become different?” queried Muivah.
The ato kilonser lamented that though NSCN has achieved so much without appreciating they were being opposed and asked where the Nagas were heading.
He said Nagas have become “danger” for Nagas and that the “self-destruction” was in Nagas themselves perishing the Nagas for which he said Nagas should not blame the Indians or others but themselves.
Stating that Jehovah has stood for the Nagas and made it possible for Nagas to come thus far, Muivah asked whether Nagas now would defy the decision Jehovah.
While asking if Jehovah stands for us then who can be against us, Muivah urged Nagas to be united through Jesus Christ our saviour.
Also speaking on the occasion, Naga Hoho president P. Chuba Ozukum paid homage to the pioneers who started the historic journey of freedom for the Nagas.
He said Nagas had sacrificed for self determination since the coming of Simon Commission in 1929 and continued to do so.
Ozukum in his speech claimed that “none can deny that Nagas have given mandate to NSCN (I-M)” in perpetuating the Naga political movement and Naga peoples’ aspirations.
He also spoke on the Naga youths, misuse of social media and attacked the “pseudo intellectuals” working against the interest of Nagas.
Ozukum further urged upon all NNPGs to come together and work as one for the common cause.
Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) president, Shaleem Konyak in his address recounted how the story of Naga freedom struggle stemmed from the common Naga public and eventually took an organised form.
As such, he reminded the NPGs to take into confidence the Naga public in the pursuit of solution to the Naga political issue.
ENPO vice president Sashi Naga rendered a poignant narrative as he attacked the Naga leaders for having failed the Nagas by creating more factions when the public cried for unity.
Reiterating the ENPO’s slogan of unity, he asserted that reconciliation, first with God, was a must.
He lambasted the Naga leaders for staying engrossed in infighting oblivious to the public cry for unity adding that leaders should be humble first.
United Naga Council president Gaidon Kamei also extended “support to the NSCN (I-M) on behalf of the Nagas of South Nagalim.”
NSF president Subenthung Kithan in his address pointed out how disunity of the Nagas was strengthening ‘our’ enemies. Representing the aspirations of the Naga youth, he appealed for reconciliation and unity among the Nagas.
Other highlights of the celebration includes, unfurling of National Flag by the vice president, drill display by Naga Army, patriotic song by Alobo Naga, cultural dance by Yimchunger dance troupe , Old Showuba village and folk song by Ajano.
The opening and closing prayers were said by director Nagaland Missions Movement, NBCC, Andrew Semp and general secretary, CNC, Rev. Seksim Kasar.