Kohima, January 17 (MExN): The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) today hailed the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the NSCN (IM) reaffirming “unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements, with immediate effect, for resolution of the Naga historical and political rights' with the Government of India (GoI).”
The public declaration of commitment was made on January 14 during a meeting of the NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) representatives held under the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
“This development comes as a booster for the Naga public to shed our differences and ceaselessly work towards ensuring that lasting peace is brought about in our Naga homeland, through the healing of our spirits,” the Federation stated in a release.
It further noted that the declaration is the “furtherance of the 'September Joint Accordant' of 14 September 2022 which paved the way for the formation of Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation led by the Convenor of NNPGs and the Chairman of NSCN.”
The Accordant resolved to “to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forward on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.”
Meanwhile, despite the welcoming developments, the NSF said that it was dismayed by the continued delay tactics “adopted by the GoI in the negotiation process to hammer out the differences with the Naga negotiators pertaining to the key core issues of the Naga National Flag and Constitution.”
Demands GoI’s sincerity
The Federation further reiterated its earlier stance that it would “never accept a 'forced solution' and that the impending negotiated solution should ensure that the dignity and rights of every single Naga soul is respected and upheld.”
To this end, the Federation demanded that the GoI exhibits “utmost sincerity and commitment in the negotiation process” to ensure that the “aspiration of the Naga people for an Inclusive, Honourable and Acceptable Solution to the protracted Indo-Naga Political issue is brought about without any further delay.”
Further extending its New Year greetings to the Naga people, the NSF “fervently” appealed everyone to be “mindful of individuals publicly indulging in rhetoric, either in words or actions, pertaining to the Indo-Naga Political issue.”
“We have to zealously guard our cause which is legitimate, just, fair and righteous from the lure of these individuals, tirelessly scheming with our adversaries, to undermine it,” it asserted.
The release issued by the NSF President Kegwayhun Tep and General Secretary Siipuni Ng Philo further urged the people to be wary of “distorted tales” but instead advocate fearlessly the “inalienable historical and political rights” of the Nagas to the world at large.
