‘The status quo has to make ways for a new development’
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 2 (MExN): National Vice President of the BJP, M Chuba Ao today stated that while the Naga people await a solution to the Naga political issue which is acceptable and honourable, “the Naga leaders should also be ready to accept a solution which is mutually acceptable and is practical enough.”
“The government has made it clear that the 'separate' Flag and Constitution demands were not acceptable. Moreover, for any democratic setup, the Constitution of India is sacred and it is binding on all. In the past we have spoken about the basic structure of the Indian Constitution. So any kind of adventurism will have to go through constitutional and legal scrutiny of the Supreme Court and also of the two Houses of Parliament,” a statement issued by Ao stated.
Referring to reports that the “Centre is keen to usher in a season of festivity and joy in Nagaland during Christmas,” the BJP National VP said that everyone is keen for a solution.
“On the contrary, there is a craze in Naga patience too. Long years of insurgency and the long period of ceasefire during the last 25 years show people had to face the multiple challenges including extortion. There are also issues related to deployment of central security forces. The status quo has to make ways for a new development. The ceasefire should now make ways for a solution,” he added.
While recognizing that “Naga history is great,” he however pointed out that “like all histories of human race, even Naga history has its sets of mistakes and blunders.” Historical wrongs, he observed, are often like “murders.” “They cannot be erased simply if we wish to do so. These historical wrongs have to be corrected,” he stated.
Ao meanwhile emphasized that “everyone has to accept the power of the Constitution.” “lf the Constitution says Nagaland as a state should flourish and all communities residing in Nagaland state should get justice, these views will have to be respected,” he stated. Ao added that different modules can be worked for Nagas residing in other states and expressed confidence that the stakeholders in the peace talks have already taken up these.
He further affirmed that the BJP believes in the rule of law and rule of common people. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again shared his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas (A Government for all, by all and which will honour the trust of all). This is based on the philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam,” Ao stated.
He added that the Government of India’s Act East Policy will be successful only with active participation of the North East region. “ln this, Nagas can have a solemn role to play. Of course, Nagaland as the 16th state of Indian Union also has to deliver, but the onus is more on the Naga people residing across Northeast - Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and of course our state of Nagaland,” he stressed.
Ao stated that the Prime Minister and Home Minister are “anxious to take Nagas and other tribal communities on board in the country's developmental journey.” “We now have for the first time a tribal woman -Draupadi Murmu as India's President. The Prime Minister and his Team India are anxious to see that normal conditions are restored in areas where troubles have taken place in the past as well as in recent times,” he added.
The BJP National Vice President stated that as the Naga talks are progressing at various levels, there is a purpose behind concrete political message. On the other hand, various civil societies, NGO groups and other pressure groups have time and again impressed upon the Central Government and the Prime Minister to work out a mutually acceptable solution, he added.
“As a disciplined soldier of the BJP, this signatory will apply all restraints at command,” Ao added, while maintaining that Nagas want an early solution. “This is not being stated from a political point of view of the BJP. Our sincere election promise in 2018 was 'Election for Solution'. In 2022, we are expected to deliver. All works are in the right direction,” he assured.
