Naga Common Platform for solution based on two Naga accords

Slams leadership, airs disappointment with current state of affairs

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 18

After much controversy and opposition, the Naga Common Platform on November 18 culminated with the stakeholders urging the Government of India (GoI) and Naga negotiators expedite a final political solution. The rally, spearheaded by the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation with support from a collective of Naga civil society organisations, saw a turnout of approximately 4000-5000 people at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile.     

The platform asserted it was unambiguous in its resolve to urge the GoI to deliver a political solution based on the two Naga accords— Framework Agreement and Agreed Position for lasting peace in the Naga areas. 

The resolution, which the organisers said will be relayed to the GoI, said that a century of political struggle, and 28 years of negotiations, has brought a huge burden on the common people. “Therefore, we strongly urge the Naga negotiators and the Gol to listen to the cry of the stakeholders and collectively bring the talks to their logical conclusion with a comprehensive agreement,” it said.  

The adoption of the resolution was preceded by a number of CSO leaders, including NGBF President Shikuto Zalipu, Naga Hoho President Sulanthung Lotha and Seniors Citizens’ Association of Nagaland (SCAN) KK Sema taking the stage.

Shared frustration 
Frustration with what was described as failed, self-serving leadership echoed across every address, revealing a shared disappointment with the current state of affairs. A strong demand was also made for greater transparency from all negotiators, while arguing that leadership vacuum has directly burdened the Naga people with division, fear and economic hardship. 

In his address, KK Sema reiterated that the Naga Common Platform was not a parallel movement but a unified stage for all Nagas desiring an early and honorable resolution to the political issue for the sake of future generations.

He strongly condemned the fragmentation of the Naga movement into numerous groups, which he held, has led to a “plague of extortion” (multiple illegal taxations) in the guise of national movement. Sema contrasted the public’s hardship with the luxurious lifestyles of the leaders of the various NPGs, warning that a “day of reckoning will come.”

He further alleged that the apex tribal hohos lack the moral authority to lead, claiming they operate under the directives of the state government. Addressing the political deadlock, Sema questioned the logic of the NSCN (IM)’s demand for a flag and constitution, arguing that a truly sovereign entity would not need to ask for such symbols. He criticised the group for its secrecy in negotiations with the Government of India, asserting that the people are the primary stakeholders and that their future cannot be decided behind closed doors. 

He said, “We, the people, are the primary stakeholders of this movement. It is time they speak to us honestly. You cannot decide our future in secret… Our message to the Government of India is simple, we want a solution. And we want our voice to be heard.”

Advisor to the NGBF, Vikuto Zhimomi, questioned who would shoulder the burden if negotiations failed. “If these negotiations are allowed to fail, who will shoulder the burden of that failure? It will be us, the people. That is why we demand an early solution,” he said, while alleging that any move to facilitate a solution is consistently sabotaged. 

C John, a former vice president of the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN), attributed the protracted issue to a “chronic leadership struggle” for power and money, which has led to splintering of the Naga movement into nearly 30 groups. Meanwhile, business flee the state draining revenue that would have otherwise come to the state. 

Yonglong Konyak, a Gaon Bura, refused to pass the conflict on to his children. According to him, a solution is within grasp based on existing two agreements but is stalled by a lack of unity. He questioned the logic of remaining stuck on the ‘flag and constitution issue’ when sovereignty has been ruled out. 

Sulanthung Lotha, Naga Hoho President, that the Naga society is plagued by “trust deficit” allowing saboteurs to undermine progress. “How do we remove this? We need to build trust and confidence so that we can come together. We have to create a feeling of oneness.” He said that the path forward begins by starting to love one another. 

Z Obed described a final solution as the only “medicine” to heal Naga society, stating that it is long overdue. He criticised the Naga national leaders as being too proud and stubborn to forgive one another, making a resolution impossible. “The Naga national leaders have become so stubborn, so proud that they cannot forgive one another. Can they resolve the Naga issue in such a situation?” he posed. 

Thepfulhouvi Solo defended the common platform, stating that as a peaceful and democratic assembly, no one possessed the moral right to prevent it.

In a release, the organising committee of the Naga Common Naga Platform thanked all stakeholders for their support in ensuring the rally's success despite alleged attempts to sabotage it. Hailing the event as a "historic convergence," the committee noted that the people are unequivocal in their longing for a peaceful solution. It pledged to continue advocating for the will of the people to achieve an honorable, acceptable, and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue.

In a separate press release, the Dimapur District Citizen's Forum thanked its units for their support during the rally. It looked forward to their continued enthusiasm in uplifting Naga society.