DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): A consultative meeting of the Parliamentarians of Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma and Pochury regions of the NSCN (IM) was held on August 23 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
Major (Retd) Kewe Mero, Kilonser, mentioned in his keynote address that the purpose of organizing the consultative meeting was to bring better understanding in order to strengthen unity and cooperation while keeping focus on the Naga political issue. This, he said, will help establish positive link with the public, informed a press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM).
He pointed out that the NSCN/GPRN has a hierarchical rank structure starting from Tatar, Deputy Kilonser, Kilonser, Member of Steering Committee, and Executive Member, Steering Committee in which everyone’s status is clearly defined with a place for all individual initiatives.
He appealed to the members of the Angami and Chakhesang regions to live up to the spirit of ‘Nagaland for Christ’ to reflect the “unique history of the Nagas’ through our commitment and unity resonated through the meeting.” The MIP press release said that this appeal “draws significant importance as this meeting was held against the background of grumblings within the Angami and Chakhesang.”
Lt Gen (Retd) VS Atem, Member, Collective Leadership, began his speech quoting from the Acts 17:26 of the Bible: “And he made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings”. He said Nagas are not far behind in political consciousness as compared to Indians. He reminded the “historical truth when Nagas refused to join India by signing the instrument of accession like the rest of the princely states of Northeast and India.” Atem further said that NSCN was given UNPO membership on January 23, 1993, on the basis of “historical truth.” God is the truth and he has been with the Nagas in every decision, he added.
Kihoi Swu, Kilonser, meanwhile shared his concern that India may play with the Constitution of India to exploit the huge mineral resources in Naga areas. He also touched on the “truth” of the Framework Agreement and said that notwithstanding political shortsightedness of some groups/people, “there is no alternative to the Framework Agreement.”
With regard to the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Gen Atem and Brig (Retd) Akho Naga, President, Tenyemi National Workers Forum stated that this is not in keeping with the socio-political interest of the Nagas and is not going to be allowed.
Education Kilonser Jongpong said “We have to show ourselves unity, reconciliation spirit and commitment to win the public support and cooperation”.
Collective Leadership Member, Zarsie Nguthe encouraged the Tenimiya national workers to take heart as the post of Kilo Kilonser has been given to Kewe Mero and Steering Committee Convener to KK Angami.
“This is the best opportune time for the Tenimiya workers to cooperate for the success of the Naga nation and not run away during this crucial time because it will be like running away from God since Nagalim and flag are gift from God,” the MIP press release concluded.
