DIMAPUR, November 13 (MExN): The Nagaland State unit of the JD (U) today stated that the October 15 meeting called by the Nagaland State Government on the Naga political issue was “confusing” and “rashly organised.”
A press release from the JD (U) said that the meeting, which the party boycotted, shows the “lack of seriousness on the part of the Chief Minister in facilitating for an early settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue.” It stated there was “sheer disregard for other political parties” and the meeting was haphazardly pronounced “as though it is the ultimate voice of all stakeholders.”
The party opined that for a consultative meeting of such magnitude, a prelude meeting with the leaders of various political parties should have been called wherein a roadmap can be discussed and consensus reached.
“Rather, the State Government hastily, at the eleventh hour calls a meeting of all political parties, civil societies, NGOs, student organisations and social workers and in the process making such important consultative meeting a waste of time and energy of all who attended, as nothing concrete nor significant decision could be reached. One can imagine what could be the outcome of such a thoroughly hotch-potched gathering where only injustice can be committed to the attendees,” it said.
It further said that the resolution adopted in the meeting is also another point of concern. The JD (U) questioned whether the resolution adopted on October 15 is a government resolution or a public resolution.
“Should it be a public resolution, there were no signatories from any of the public organisations. Why didn’t the apex tribal bodies and the prominent NGOs, not append their signatures in the resolution?” it asked. “If it was a political parties’ resolution, why haven’t the leaders of the various political parties who attended the meeting not signed the resolution?” it queried.
The JD (U) further termed it perplexing that there are two sets of resolutions adopted on October 15, one signed by the Chairperson of the meeting, Neiba Kronu and Co-Chair, Mmhonlumo Kikon and another which was signed by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister with addition of words.
“This is an unprecedented practice and a first of its kind where we see two resolutions signed by different people for one meeting held. When such confusion is within the leaders in the government, what good outcome can layman expect from them to bring about?” the JD(U) asked.
These matters, the party stated, have further confounded the people of Nagaland and expressed surprise that the State Government is now asking other political parties to endorse the resolution. The party termed this move as not only belittling other parties but “outrageous.”
“Before they seek the support and endorsement of others, they should first come out of their confused and enchanted state of mind and be at rest themselves first,” it said.
On the Naga political issue, the JD(U) advised that “the two entities sort out their contentions and continue the talk smoothly and bring about honourable and acceptable solution.”
Further, the party stated that if the central leaders want solidarity of the 60 members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Governor should summon the House so that elaborate discussion can take place and if required, Assembly resolution can be adopted unanimously which will carry the voice of the people.
“The practice of waging paper war and attempting to justify each other’s position between those in Government and the opposing parties will not bring about any sustainable change but rather aggravate the fragile and sensitive issue at this critical and crucial juncture,” it added.
