We are entering into a new era, no longer should Nagas be asleep. Once again the Naga Hoho reiterated the need to resolve the decades-old Naga political problem by urging Nagas not to miss the bus again, over the emerging significant opportunity. The Naga Hoho also underscored that, The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, both leaders have assured that the government of India was prepared to resolve the Naga issue at the earliest. Thereupon the NH reminded the Naga people about the missed opportunity in 1965 when Nagas missed a solution to resolve the issue. It is now over 50 years after the first opportunity was missed and , today, Nagas are in a threshold to resolve the Naga issue which they should not let it slip away. Further, The Naga Hoho also urged the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) not to let down the people but to take bold, decisive decision to press for solving the issue and to make it clear whether they want to resolve the issue or not.
NH stated that, the 213th report of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs had recommended conclusion of Naga peace talks at the earliest. Therefore, the NH urged the Naga people to stand united in support of an early solution to the Naga political issue. NH also added that, when the central government is showing interest to permanently settle the decades old Indo-Naga political issue, “We should not miss the golden opportunity.” The NH also stated that a massive infrastructural development needs to be carried out in Naga inhabited areas with a special attention from the centre. Further, the NH underline that rapid economic development of the area is the best antidote to Naga people in this fast changing globe. The NH further stressed that, the younger educated generation is restive and frustrated because of lack of employment opportunities in the area, and this segment is the most potential for fomenting unrest society. Therefore, while drawing up various modalities or common draft for a solution of Naga problems, recognising the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonence with their distinct identity wit due regard to contemporary political realities and socio economic development- including programmes for human resources development-should be treated as the greatest priority.
Furthermore, the NH underscore that, Nagas wherever they are, there is always a spiritual longing to be together. And to fulfill their urge and aspirations and without disturbing the territorial integrity or the autonomy of the North-eastern states, there should be a Pan-Naga Cultural and Traditional League or Association, provided other Nagas living in other states voluntarily agree to join the league. Should other Nagas agree to join, then the constitution and rules may be framed collectively by Naga representatives. This body will be solely a cultural and traditional matters. Meanwhile the Naga Hoho maintained that, The greatest dream in the heart of every Naga is for a better future. The greatest desire and pursuit is to achieve this dream. To implement and achieve this goal, the mandate of the people becomes paramount and with it to pursue the goal with commitment and honesty. NH further stated that, Human being of all ages, genders, nationalities and ethnic groups are in the search for purpose and significance. Similarly, Nagas are in search for our identity and significance in human society. Deep down in every Naga heart, there is an unconscious awareness that the solution to the present dilemma and predicament cannot come from the way we pursue or attempt to resolve the Naga problem. This is the most propitious opportunity for the Nagas to bury their hatchets and unite, and through the collective effort and political wisdom and foresight, design a political frame-work or common draft reflecting the urges and political aspirations of the Nagas and present it to the government of India for a final political settlement.
The Naga Hoho meanwhile stressed that everyone is realising that the Naga peace talks have gone far too long. And it is high time that both agreements that were formally signed with the NPGs should be announced officially by the Government of India without any hesitation”. The Naga Hoho questions the Government of India for the ‘delay’ in finalizing the Naga peace talks and emphasized that the common people are anxiously awaiting the final announcement of a solution. Furthermore, the NH state that, the Government of India has already made it “amply clear” that the Flag and a separate Constitution cannot be accepted. Therefore, The Government of India should be bold to declare that the problem should be resolved. They should call the two parties (NSCN-IM and NNPGs) to announce the solution because Naga people are suffering way too long. Naga Hoho further, state that, The Framework Agreement was signed between the NSCN (IM) and GoI on August 3, 2015 in Delhi, while the Agreed Position or Preamble was inked with the NNPGs on 17th November 2017, which was led by N Kitovi Zhimomi. It is the outcome of political wisdom from all parties, so Naga people should honour it”. Naga Hoho underlined that “now that everything is completed, why delay?”. The more the delay, the credibility and the sanctity of both the agreements inked so far will be disparaged.
The Naga people as well as the people of Northeast wants to be equal with the rest of the world. This is possible when the people are pragmatic and realistic. We are not living in a dream world. Changes are taking place not only in the outside world, but also in our own state. The Naga Hoho acknowledged and appreciates the NPGs fighting for an independent nation. Naga people should recognise their sacrifices and contribution for the sake of the Naga people. Subsequently, the NH also added that, whatever possible under the present circumstances, whatever is drawn up, let’s be proud of that. The Naga Hoho urged upon the NPGs to tell the Naga People that they have tried for so many years, but this is the only possible thing which is available today under the present political environment. This way the Naga People will be happy because the Naga people also know what can be achieved and what cannot be achieved as we are not living in the past. Therefore, let us make new history for Naga people by accepting the contemporary political realities.
In this regard the Naga Hoho underlined that, every section of Naga society longs for peace, progress and prosperity. Naga people should be realistic over the rapid changing of times. Meanwhile, the Naga Hoho also maintains that, the Naga political issue is an issue that concerns all Nagas. And every Naga has the right to voice his or her opinion, because Naga political issue is not an issue of a particular individual or groups. Further, The Naga Hoho also state that, Naga should keep abreast with changing times. The Naga people especially the younger generation, wants the truth to emerge. If we were to move forward to catch up with other advanced States of the country, we must reorient our mindset to be in tune with the contemporary political realities and socio- economic development because the future prospect of Naga people would largely depend on how it responds to the changing contemporary realities and also the actions and inactions of leaders to face up to such realities. Furthermore, the Naga Hoho stressed that, it is the desire and prayer of every Naga that their land should be a role model for the country. With peace and stability, Naga people can develop by leaps and bounds. It is inevitable that growth of wealth leads to more opportunities for individuals, especially the educated youth which leads to a social transformation. The future of Naga is bright because an overwhelming majority of the people of Naga wants it. The youth of the Naga people want it. Collectively, we can make it happen.
Furthermore, The Naga Hoho also urge the Naga people to join hands and support the negotiating groups to bring the Naga political solution to a logical end at the earliest. This is the finest time for a solution instead of pointing fingers at each other with political vendetta for personal vested interest. The Naga Hoho further added that, the political talks between the GoI and the NPGs are positively progressing, and the Naga people expect a solution sooner than later. The NH hope that Government of India will bring out the common draft as the negotiation is long enough, and it must have a logical conclusion within few months.
Kuknalim
Sulanthung Lotha
President
Naga Hoho
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