APO holds consultative meet with Angami National workers
Kohima, January 11 (MExN): Sensing that the Naga political issue has reached a crucial stage, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) today held a consultative meet with Angami members of the GPRN/NSCN, NSCN (IM), NSCN (R), NNC (Chosel), and NNC (Zhavilhou). The NSCN (K) and NNC could not attend the meet.
The meeting was held with the vision to unite the Angamis, and serve the purpose of rendering service to the Naga people as a whole through reconciliation, unity and mutual understanding.
The APO also issued certain recommendations to the groups present in order to facilitate peace and unity. They asked all national workers within Angami jurisdiction to maintain peace, tranquility and uphold the interest of the people. It advised that no Naga political group should involve in confrontation, conflict and bloodshed in Angami jurisdiction, and that if any solution for the interest of the Angamis and Nagas is ushered in, the Angamis with thoughtful understanding would pave the way for the Angamis and Nagas. The APO further recommended that all national workers must work together with understanding in order to bring about peace.
“We ask you to help us understand your plans and visions for the Naga people. We want to hear your concerns and thoughts,” said Dr Vilhousa Seleyi, President, APO to the various Naga political groups present.
He informed that today’s meeting is the beginning of more consultative dialogues in the future. Stating that frustrations and anger need to be vented out before coming to an understanding, Dr. Seleyi hoped that the meeting has given the chance for the various groups to express their anger and disappointments. The APO he stated would continue to hold more consultative meets in the future to ‘consult, understand and unite.’
Peace activist and APO Advisory Board member, Niketu Iralu meanwhile reminded how outsiders have recognized the legal historical foundation of the Naga national movement. “We need to respect and acknowledge the sacrifices made for the Naga nation,” affirmed Iralu, and stressed on the need to pass on Naga history to the younger generation.
Today the younger generations know only about killings and extortions, lamented Iralu. “We need to tell them what the elders and leaders achieved, sacrificed and fought for. Through the achievements of the past, the identity of the Nagas as a people and a nation is made clear.”
He further termed it “unfair” that the details of the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) have not been revealed. He hoped that the Agreement would not weaken the Naga historical foundation. Iralu further urged the members present not to use violence, terror and bloodshed in any settlement, and stand firm in the true spirit of humanity.
Advisory Board Member, Vipralhou Kesiezie said that the Naga people have wasted many years in conflict. He expressed concern that presently Nagas have become embroiled in conflicts and misunderstandings amongst themselves. “So much scar and hurt has been imprinted within us. The moment has come for us to rebuild relationship and understanding. We have been given another chance to settle the conflict through dialogue and understanding. Forgive one another. We need to start believing each other and trust one another. We have reached fifty to sixty years in anger and hurt, now we must build peace,” he stated.
A representative from each of the groups was also given time to express their concerns, activities and plans. General Thinoselie Keyho who spoke on behalf of the NNC (Chosel) cautioned that all the sacrifices made will come to nothing if there is no understanding and reconciliation. “We need to analyze where we have gone wrong and what mistakes we have committed,” he said.
The representative of the NNC (Zhavilhou) meanwhile expressed disappointment over how the Nagas have failed to unite. He however affirmed their aspiration for the unity of all groups.
NSCN (IM) representative Zeneituo tried to assuage the concerns over the Framework Agreement and reminded that the Agreement is based on the negotiation of two entities (the Nagas and the Indian Government) and shared sovereignty based on Naga aspirations.
Representing the GPRN/NSCN, Neimhalie affirmed the group’s stand on unification. He expressed concern over the exclusion of Nagas from other areas and stated that Nagas in Nagaland must take the lead to build unity again. “Our concern is for our children. What do we leave behind for our children?” questioned Neimhalie while asserting the importance of strengthening the economy for the future.
Major MK Angami from the NSCN (R) also briefed the meeting on its newly formed government. He stated that the NSCN (R) was formed on the basis of peace and non-violence, while affirming commitment towards Naga unity.
