The two-day get together-cum-cultural programme of the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on May 13 to 14 where various Central Nagaland Legislators Forum (CNLF) members ventilated their views of common interest to CNTC and Nagas in general.
Speaking on the occasion, state deputy chief minister and also treasurer of the Central Nagaland Legislators Forum (CNLF) Y. Patton stressed CNTC should play a role in strengthening unity among Nagas for securing settlement of the Naga political issue.
Asserting that he was speaking for the Nagas, Patton said Nagas have to speak up boldly and that time has come for Nagas of Nagaland to unite and exclude those who were not in favour of solution to the Naga issue. He said “enough is enough”, as Naga political solution can no longer be delayed.
As a member of the Core Committee, headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Patton said they will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah in Delhi in a day or two. Patton said he will bluntly tell the two leaders that- if Naga solution cannot be achieved then impose President’s Rule.
Patton also said when the committee meets with NSCN (I-M) and WC, NNPGs delegation at Delhi, he will also call a spade, a spade. He said there was no point in talking behind or backout in fear but ask them directly whether they want solution or not. Patton said those who don’t want solution want to continue living comfortable life by extorting from people.
He insisted that solution to the Naga political issue should be arrived at before the 2023 assembly election and for which all should work towards that goal. He said “enough is enough. How long will Nagas continue to wait?”
He also asked CNTC to work towards resolving land acquisition issues that hamper development in their respective areas. Patton also said that along with the chief minister, he has been pursuing completion of Foothill Road with the Centre.
Patton also pointed out that even if Doyang bridge project which is to be inaugurated within two weeks, the purpose will be incomplete without a proper road (Foothill Road). He suggested submission of a memorandum to the Centre for early completion of the road project.
Patton said that though he was part of the government, it was a fact that areas under CNTC- the three districts of Mokokchung, Wokha and Zunheboto- were deprived of development while some districts were favoured.
CNLF convenor and minister Kaito Aye urged upon CNTC to send a strong message to the Centre and the negotiating groups, to secure solution before the 2023 assembly election.
In his speech, CNLF co-convenor Imkong L. Imchen, MLA said reservation in the state needs to be revisited and was disinclined towards creation of districts just for the sake of it.
Imchen also echoed the same concern that CNTC districts were being deprived of development. He also said the three CNTC tribes should not be punished because they were wrongly termed as “most advanced “. He also said government of India and the NPGs should heed the voice of the people by securing settlement to the Naga political issue before the 2023 election.
He said President’s Rule was also an option as it would only affect the present house.
Imchen however, said once election is held in 2023, he will not resign if elected.
In his brief speech Amenba Yaden, MLA called for equitable distribution of job and economic benefits for the three tribes– Ao, Lotha and Sumi- under CNTC.
Amenba said since formations of Tenyimi block and Eastern block, the three tribes- Ao, Lotha and Sumi- were left with no option but to form CNTC.
He maintained that formation of CNTC was not against any other tribe(s) but only for promoting unity and setting good examples to lead the Nagas.
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