The 7th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in progress. (DIPR File Photo)
7-member committee constituted to draft resolutions
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 16
In a significant development, the 7th session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) held a special discussion on the Indo-Naga political issue on February 16.
The ‘detailed’ discussion resulted in constitution of a 7-member committee to draft resolutions on the Indo-Naga political issue. The members included Dr Chotisuh Sazo and Imkong L Imchen from NPF, S Pangnyu Phom and Jacob Zhimomi from BJP, Neiba Kronu and Toshi Wungtung from NDPP and Tongpang Ozukum (Independent).
NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer requested the members to meet at him at his office chamber on February 17 at 3:00 pm for drafting the resolution.
Initiating the discussion, MLA Toyang Chang said, “If we retrospect on the Naga conflict for the past 60 years it has only resulted in fear, chaos, confusion, mistrust, economic imbalance etc. More so, our society seems to be emotionally disoriented and have hence lost direction.” He said that it is high time that “we prepare a road map and take the right decision.”
Terming the Naga political issue as the most important issue for the entire Naga society for as long as almost a century, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio thanked the Speaker for allocating time for a special discussion on the Naga political issue. He stated that the NLA is the highest platform of democracy in Nagaland and that the House carries the voice and aspirations of the people.
As such, it is important to deliberate on the long standing Naga political issue, and express the desires and feelings of the citizens of the State, the CM said.
Need for ‘inclusive’ solution
While the creation of the State with unique constitutional safeguards was a significant achievement for our people, the attainment of Statehood did not lead to cessation of hostilities, the CM stated.
The quest for the final solution continued, mostly because the Naga national group who were undivided at that time, were not part of the agreement, he added.
Echoing similar thoughts, Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang also said, “From the 9-Point Naga-Akbar Hyderi Accord in July 1947 to the 16th Point Agreement on 26th July 1960 and further the 11th November 1975 Shillong Accord, none of them had managed to bring about lasting peace and tenable solution to our land.” The main cause of disagreement in all these, Zeliang noted, stemmed from the fact that while the signatories were visionary Naga leaders, the leaders from the Naga national groups were not taken into confidence at the time of signing the Agreement. This resulted in the present day imbroglio and peace continues to elude us till date, Zeliang rued.
State Deputy CM, Y Patton appealed to all the negotiating parties to show an even higher level of determination, sincerity and commitment for overcoming all the hurdles on the path towards the final solution, and make it a reality without any further delay.
MLA Chotisuh Sazo suggested the House to pass a resolution appealing to both the Government of India (GoI) and the negotiating parties to expedite the talk, bring out a road map to bring an inclusive, honorable and acceptable solution to the Nagas.
The House should appeal to all Naga negotiating political groups to come together, sit across the table, sort out their differences, form a common platform so as to bring a solution for all the Nagas, he said.
The House should appeal to the GoI to respect and honor what has been agreed in the past and implement them in toto, till the solution is finalized, he further suggested.
While appreciating that different groups have come together under the banner of NNPG and that the NSCN (K) has also joined the peace process, Dr Chumben Murry, MLA said that paper-wars between the negotiating Naga groups “seem to be resurfacing and also NSCN (K) on its part, wants to play passive wait and watch role.”
“If we must have an inclusive solution, we must address what is keeping different groups from coming together,” Dr Murry stated. A formula has to be found out to make the groups receptive to a common platform. The Naga negotiating groups should also confide in us the contents of the competencies or agreement derived so far, he added, while also stating that it is time for the Centre to take the House into confidence with regard to the contents of the negotiations.
MLA Y Vikheho Swu called for more understanding towards each others’ needs and respect and honor one another in bringing about a solution to the Naga political issue. He also put emphasis on the need to reconstitute the Joint Legislative Forum so that the Legislators can make a meaningful contribution to the Indo Naga political issues.
MLA Yitachu stated that the Naga political issue is “nothing but a fight to defend and secure Naga history and Naga identity for the future generations.”
Naga solution has to be based on having our own identity to pass on to the younger generation, he said, and called on all the elected members to be free from all prejudices while talking about Naga political issues and to be more proactive.
Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye appealed to the GoI to expedite the ongoing Naga political peace process.
Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along acknowledged the positive efforts of the Government of Nagaland and considered the October 15, 2020 consultative meet and the adoption of the 7 point resolution as a leap in the right direction. Lamenting the lack of unity and the ensuing differences between the various stakeholders, he called upon all the elected members to come together under the Joint Legislative Forum and intervene so that a peaceful and amicable solution is achieved at the earliest and that every elected member must consider it as his sacred duty to do so.
