Morung Express News
Kohima | March 22
Signs of growing fatigue and frustration over the delay in bringing about a final solution to the protracted Naga political issue were palpable in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly today as members questioned the sincerity and seriousness of the negotiating parties.
As the discussion on ‘Naga political issue’ began on day-three of the ongoing budget session of the 13th NLA, members participating in the discussion expressed strong views in a surprising turn from the usual diplomatic stance.
Invoke Art 356 of the Constitution of India
Initiating the discussion, MLA Imkong L Imchen wondered if invoking Article 356 of the Constitution of India, pertaining to President’s Rule, would be the right way to go about in order to bring a final solution.
Justifying his view, Imchen said that even after 25 years since the political talks started and several unanimous resolutions were adopted; there has been no sign of progress and no semblance of acknowledgement from any of the negotiating parties, including the Government of India.
He also referred to the 2018 General election, where the NLA raised the slogan of ‘Solution not Election’ which was changed to ‘Election for Solution,’ and remarked that: “I don't know what should be the slogan for 2023 general election in Nagaland because till now there are no indications or signal from the negotiating parties.”
The senior Naga People’s Front Legislator went on to say that his proposal for invoking Article 356 was “out of sheer frustration on the conduct of the political negotiation during the last 25 years,” while underscoring that he was not against democracy or parliamentary democracy, but is against the present prevailing Naga society marred with violence, intimidation, extortion, threat etc.
Lift AFSPA from Nagaland
At a time when the people of the state expressed desire for peace, declaring the entire state of Nagaland as a disturbed area under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) vitiates the peaceful atmosphere necessary for a peaceful resolution to the Naga problem, NPF MLA Chotisuh Sazo said.
He asserted that AFSPA should be lifted for the sake of ‘confidence building’ amongst the Naga people and to facilitate inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga political problem.
“It is high time that the Naga people are freed from this political tangle, and be enabled to move forward on the road to peace, development and prosperity,” added Sazo.
Take what is possible today
Participating in the discussion, NDPP legislator H Chuba Chang maintained that ‘we should take what is possible today,’ and the future generation can carry on the remaining responsibilities.
Though many people still criticised signing of 16 Point Agreement, Chang pointed out that it is because of this Nagas are here today. “They have done their part whatever possible they could achieve at that point of time,” he opined.
What is more important, he pointed out was, “our duty of what we have to do today is what more we can do for the Naga people,” rather than criticising what has been done earlier. Despite the open declaration of the conclusion of talks on October 31, 2019, Chang questioned “What is holding them back to sign to fulfil the desire of the Naga people?”
Asserting that Nagas have to take what is possible today, Chang added, “What is the use of working and talking if we cannot take decision? What legacy will we left behind for our generation to come?” He dreaded that if the opportunity is missed this time, the future generation would face the same thing that is going on today.
Are they really working for the Nagas?
“Are they really working for the Nagas? Are they really pursuing our legitimate rights? Or within the different factions and functionaries, do they have any agenda for their personal vested interest or for small group of people within the faction?” were some of the questions posed by NDPP legislator Zhaleo Rio.
Exasperated with the prolonged dragging of the issue, Rio further wondered, “If the national workers are actually working for the Nagas and for our future, what is stopping them from coming together?”
He opined that they should listen to the voice of the people and to be rational and pragmatic in asking ‘what can be available rather than what cannot be made available.’ He went on to state that “the ongoing negotiations, agreements or the agreed positions are all done within the Constitution of India. Beyond that, it will be foolish and will not be correct to be asking what is not within the discussion or agreed position.”
Justice deficiency in Naga society
A weakness of Naga people, NPF MLA Yitachu Pfithu pointed out was ‘justice deficiency’ in the Naga society.
Terming it as ‘the root cause of so many fragmentations,’ the MLA said that the Naga society, in order to survive, should restore justice to every section and member of the society, lest the society disintegrate even to the extent of extinction.
While solution still eludes the Nagas, Yitachu remarked that “in the name of political issue, the government, developmental agencies and departments remain helpless” and questioned for how long this situation can go on. He maintained that it is the right time for the CSOs, tribal hohos, negotiating parties to take the opportunity seriously to bring about the solution – ‘the only answer bringing peace and prosperity in the NE region and South-East Asian region.’
Stop the blame game
“We are all pragmatic and realistic people; let us stop the blame game. Sloganeering is something which will not bring us solution,” said BJP legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon.
Stating that there is confusion and suspicion today on the role of the 60 legislators, Kikon said “we are Parliamentary Core Committee which is absolutely and distinctively different from the NPC of the past.”
“We know what our role is as facilitators. We are not going to sign the agreement. We are stakeholders to the entire issue. You cannot remove the 60 of us,” he said clarifying on their role.
Stating that the Naga political issue is an issue which is much bigger than the differences among political parties, he said that “the political semantics we are indulging should not come in the way of our desire for a permanent solution.” Kikon also suggested that as facilitators they should look towards strengthening and supporting the entire process for settlement.
A genuine movement digressing
NDPP MLA Medo Yhokha said a ‘genuine movement’ which started in right earnestness with the unwavering, unflinching and undivided solidarity and support of the entire Nagas then, “has unfortunately over the years, turned out to, unprofessionally manipulated and digressed with myopic and narrow vested interpretation and manifestation.”
He observed that it had today regrettably brought in overwhelming ills and ailments which, according to him, have gone miserably wrong, disintegrated whole systems, and brought about ‘numerous vices and divisions’ which the present society and the leaders cannot comprehend.
Opining that the same issue should not persist any further, Yhokha said “we have had enough of it. Nagas should not afford to miss out the opportunity in lieu of unwarranted misgivings within ourselves.”
He also opined that the credibility and sincere commitment of the house need to ‘go beyond these walls,’ and the issue should not only be left confined to the representatives of the negotiating parties alone and to their ‘whims and fancies.’
“We need to walk the talk and take the call for a better and brighter Naga tomorrow,” added Yhokha.
We will not get the constitution and flag
Meanwhile, BJP legislator Temjen Imna Along made it very clear that as the Government of India is also governed by the Constitution of India, “We know very well that we will not get the constitution and a flag.”
“They are not going to agree,” he said, mentioning that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has out rightly told them that it is not possible during a meeting.
“Do we keep on waiting and waiting?” he posed while pointing on the need to be realistic and pragmatic. “We must come to an understanding and take it to the next level in a democratic process,” he said.
“The criterion for solution is not on ‘solution not election’ and ‘election for solution’ but that this vexed political issue should come to an understanding and culminate, so that our people can live in peace and prosperity and see good governance also allow our people to grow with the nations of the world,” stated Along.
Meanwhile, EE Panteang also appealed the GoI to give a clear indication on whether it will decide based on the desire on the majority of the population or go with few groups of people. He also commented, “If the talks have concluded as declared it should be made known to the people from where the further progression is stuck.”
