Kohima, October 25 (MExN): Today’s Naga Hoho brainstorming deliberations on “A Perceptive Dialogue on Naga State of Affairs”, at Zonal Council Hall, which could be termed as a historic event, offered an ample opportunity to all tribal Hohos and mass-based civil societies to speak out their minds. As unlike any other occasion, this time participants put across their views without reservation.
Significant amongst the issues that dominated today’s discussions were the quit notice served to the Tangkhul community by the NSCN-K, factional killings, press war amongst the warring underground groups, insincerity on the part of Indian Government in the talks, ENPO alienation from Naga Hoho and NSCN-K etc. The need to adopt Christian ethos was also suggested by several speakers. Factional killings were unequivocally condemned with a reminder that the underground groups should heed to the voice and sentiments of the people and stop killings among themselves, asserting that today is not an age where conflicts are settled by war and conflict.
The tribal Hohos and NGOs also endorsed the leadership of the Naga Hoho in spearheading efforts to heal fratricidal wounds and making efforts to bring about unity within the warring underground groups. However, some of the speakers expressed skepticism about the Naga Hoho, stating that it is yet to get the “full mandate” of the Naga people. Also, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, spoke his mind saying that if the Nagas dare to change Naga history, they must do so. He stated unreservedly that most of the “so-called national workers” joined the factions merely for profit after the ceasefire for personal gains and not for the Naga national cause. “Don’t let the goondahs and dakus hijack Naga history”, he blasted and appealed to the Naga Hoho to take the call to the groups to listen to the voice of the people.
Fr. Abraham also minced no words in spelling out that the differences among the factions are now all about money, rank, power, ego, etc, and is no more about the much-talked-about Naga self-determination but factional determination, To justify his point, Abraham made a reference to the rampant defections among the various Naga underground factions. He was also of the view that the much-professed Nagaland being a Christian state has been dishonored by fratricidal killings and factional violence.
“Those who do not know the cry of the Nagas do not have the right to fight for them”, he opined. The day-long programme, which continued till 5: 00 pm, saw a number of speakers voicing their open opinions and suggestions about the ongoing peace process and repercussions likely to follow.
Today’s programme, which was represented by more than 30 mass-based organizations from Nagaland and Manipur, was organized under the aegis of the Naga Hoho. The Hoho will be meeting tomorrow and will be coming out with their observations and comments on today’s deliberations. ENPO representative also spoke on the occasion. Although Congress and other political parties failed to attend the event, NPF and BJP took part in the deliberations. Participation from women organizations like the Naga Mother Association, Naga Women Union Manipur and Ao Women Association added more significance to the event.
