Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): A group of ‘likeminded elders of Nagaland’ have announced the formation of a new body, the ‘Concern Naga Forum of Nagaland’ (CNFN), to address the impending Naga political issue.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the forum expressed despair over the unresolved seven-decade-old political conflict between the Government of India (GoI) and the Naga people, stating that “hope for the Nagas is dimming under pseudo-peace.”
The CNFN asserted that while the Naga political movement, which ‘is a people’s movement’, has been “hijacked by a few vested interests.” The forum alleged the emergence of a “political mafia/dons” who, in collusion with “unpatriotic and selfish elements” including “both state politicians and bureaucrats,” have inflicted an “unbearable burden” on the people.
The forum criticised the rise of a “syndicate system” and “percentage cuts” in financial transactions, which it claimed has seized the state’s economy and market in the name of the Naga national movement. It further accused both the state and central governments of failing to curb corruption. The CNFN slammed the GoI, alleging that the state is being used as an “ATM booth” to restrain the Centre agencies responsible for curbing corruption, enforcement of accountability and transparency failing to fulfil its obligation to the citizens.
Highlighting the issue of illegal taxation, the forum pointed out that while underground factions are often blamed, several government agencies are also involved. It cited the recent directive against toll taxes and taxes on goods imposed by Urban Local Bodies as evidence.
The CNFN said it was formed after due consultation with representatives from different parts of the state to “voice out the longing of the common people.” The forum stated its intention to take up issues with the appropriate authorities in the GoI, state government and political negotiators.
It called for a resolution to the political conflict at the earliest, based on the two existing agreements, the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017, which it stated are the “most tangible agreements” in contemporary politics.
“The brutal truth alone can heal our land,” the CNFN stated, adding “Instead of Solution and Settlement the groups and the factions are growing exponentially, especially, after the two Agreements adding to the woes of the people.”
‘Public declaration’
In a ‘public declaration,’ the forum asked the Centre to demonstrate sincerity and political will to finalise the settlement. It said that with the Naga political negotiations spanning nearly three decades under the 1997 and 2001 ceasefires, and the subsequent signing of the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position, the process was declared completed by October 31, 2019.
Asserting that the time has come to bring the process to its logical conclusion after 29 years, the forum said opportunists must stop using the means as the end and desist from attempting to reopen closed chapters through indefinite negotiation.
Appealing to the GoI, the forum called for a clear roadmap with defined timelines to operationalise the agreed competencies and institutional arrangements for a smooth transition. It also emphasised the need for restoration of rule of law and accountability, stating that political settlement cannot coexist with corruption, parallel taxation or overlapping administration.
To the Government of Nagaland, it urged, as the elected representative of the people, to pass a resolution in the state legislative assembly asking the Centre to work out the final solution based on the gentlemen’s agreements, the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.
Addressing the Naga Political Groups (NPGs), the forum asked them to uphold their agreements in letter and spirit with maturity and commitment, and refrain from incoherence or dishonesty while remaining trustworthy and transparent to both GoI and Naga people.
Stressing that the dark history should not be passed on to future generations, the forum affirmed its collective aspiration for lasting peace, committing to a stable future beyond decades of insurgency through the guiding principle of “Peace for development of identity, culture, security and progress” and continuing the struggle through democratic and political process to determine their future.
