Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton speaking at the meeting held on November 21 to deliberate on the formation of an apex Naga tribal body of Nagaland at Hotel De Grand, Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: X/@YanthungoPatton)
ENPO abstain from attending the meet
Morung Express New
Dimapur | November 21
The meeting convened to deliberate on the formation of an ‘apex Naga tribal body’ of Nagaland on November 21 at Hotel De Grand, Kohima ended without any resolve, it has been learnt. However, with Tuesday’s meeting, the stage has been set for the establishment of a tribal body, exclusively that of Nagaland state.
The meeting was held with Ex Minister and Advisor to Chief Minister, Dr Chumben Murry as chairperson. Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly namely Imkong L Imchen, MLA and Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation; KG Kenye, Minister for Power and Parliament Affairs; Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang spoke at the meeting.
Speeches were also heard from Khondao Ngullie, President, Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and Kekhwengulo Lea, President, Tenyimi Union Nagaland and representatives from other tribal organizations.
According to a source who attended the meeting, the house, after a prolonged discussion, decided not to make any resolution while asserting that such a significant decision as formation of an apex Naga tribal body cannot be realized in one sitting or in a single day. In order to make informed decision, all the apex tribal bodies would have to deliberate on the issue with its constituent units as well as different spectrums of their respective tribes, he informed.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Patton in X platform (@YanthungoPatton) tweeted, “A significant day for Nagaland as we took a giant leap towards our deep-felt desire to form a united apex body encompassing different tribes of the state to reconcile and build a shared future.”
Patton also stated, “As we endeavour towards this, we all must remember that trust is the key and the apex body, when formed, must address interests of every tribe with respect and wisdom. United by our proud histories and culture, this would be the dawn of new era of reconciliation. But the road ahead has challenges which unity alone can help overcome, and I urge all to realise the strength of our collective efforts for the future of Nagaland we all envision.”
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to “CNTC and TUN for their presence in the meeting today in Kohima and coming together to work towards this goal.”
It may be mentioned that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) abstained from participating at the meeting. In a letter addressed to Ex Minister and Advisor to Chief Minister, Dr Chumben Murry, which is being widely circulated in social media, the ENPO said the matter was deliberated in its Executive Council (CEC) meeting held on September 8 at Tuensang.
It stated that after a daylong deliberation on the matter, the CEC resolved that “the matter about a suggestion for having a common platform of CSOs of Nagaland as suggested by a political advisor to the Chief Minister was discussed. After through deliberation on the matter, it was resolved that ENPO shall always extend its fullest cooperation and come together with other Naga tribes to address any common issue confronting Naga people by representing or participating as ENPO, but not necessarily under one common platform as proposed.”
