Dimapur, November 6 (MExN): The Nagaland Gaonbura Federation Peace Committee (NGBF PC) on Friday strongly rejected a statement issued by the newly floated NSCN/FRGN on October 23 and demanded its immediate and official withdrawal.
The NGBF PC in a statement expressed “deep concern” over what it termed an “immature and unwarranted” statement by the new group. It said such publications “have the potential to create unnecessary apprehension and undermine the prevailing atmosphere of peace and harmony in Nagaland.”
The committee urged the group to withdraw the statement “in the larger interest of peace and public welfare.”
Making its position “unequivocally clear”, the NGBF PC said “the Naga people do not support the formation of new factions or further fragmentation of the Naga political movement.”
It said personal differences and internal disagreements among leaders must be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. “It is more dignified to retire gracefully with one’s honour intact than to defect or establish another faction,” it said.
The body said the NSCN/FRGN statement neither reflects the “substantive political” issues between the Government of India and the Naga people nor addresses the pressing socio-economic concerns and aspirations of Naga society.
The NGBF PC said the collective aspiration of the Naga people is to live in peace, with dignity and mutual respect, while preserving their distinct history and identity.
It called for an early, honourable and acceptable political solution, based on negotiated and mutually agreed terms between the Centre and the Naga negotiating entities, namely the NSCN (IM) and the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs), “without further delay.” It added that negotiations cannot continue indefinitely.
“This remains the foremost concern of apex Naga tribal bodies, civil society organisations, Naga political groups and the people, including families and churches across Naga towns and villages,” the statement said.
The committee said the statement had also caused deep concern among Nagas living outside the state, including families, central government employees, entrepreneurs, private-sector employees and students residing in mainland India.
It said the statement’s implications had created unnecessary anxiety and “sent negative shockwaves across Naga communities.” The NGBF PC said it “unequivocally rejects” the statement of the “so-called NSCN/FRGN.”
The NGBF PC also acknowledged the contributions of non-Naga communities who have lived in Nagaland for generations, dating back to the British colonial period. It said their successive generations have contributed immensely to business, education, healthcare and the overall development of Naga society.
Though they may not share Naga ancestry, many have made Nagaland their permanent home and become “an integral part of its social and economic fabric,” it said.
The committee said it “firmly opposes all dictatorial directives, intimidating pronouncements and unauthorised publications” that threaten the security of non-Naga communities and undermine the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between Naga and non-Naga communities. This “time-tested communal harmony must be protected and strengthened at all costs,” it said.
The NGBF PC appealed to all concerned to exercise restraint, uphold mutual respect and act responsibly in the larger interest of peace and unity.
“The Naga people deserve peace, not further division; reconciliation, not confrontation; and an honourable political solution, not endless uncertainty,” it said.
