Imkong L. Imchen
Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Nagaland.
I was born and brought up from my village Mangmetong in Mokokchung district. From primary schooling to the Post Graduation, I have never been in any standard school and therefore my language and my culture are purely country made and unpolished. This is one of the reasons that I have cultivated/attracted unmatched political and social enemies within and without the Naga society. Moreover, at times I am stupidly frank about my opinion on any given issues and therefore naturally my opponents used to outnumber my political comrades. However I try to be personally polished, I know I become more troublesome for myself than anybody else. Anyway I have no ill will towards anybody and always stand for correction from my esteemed friends.
I have issued a statement on 6th August 2015 in support of the Framework Agreement signed between the NSCN(IM) and Government of India (GoI) in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on 3rd August 2015. I still hold the same opinion about the Framework Agreement till today. During the last almost 2 (two) years so many organisations and concerned Naga citizens have expressed their opinions regarding this Framework Agreement. Such expressions through their columns must have contributed to both the negotiating parties for which they all deserve salutations. Since specially the Nagas consider this Framework Agreement very important for their destiny it is quite natural to express apprehension as well as considered opinion so as to make the agreement to a commonly acceptable one.
Today also I am tendering few of my unpolished opinion in the public domain so as to provoke the situation for good.
(i) Firstly, there is enormous trust deficit between the negotiating parties and the Naga general public, including political parties in the State. I feel that this trust deficit should be bridged comfortably at the earliest.
(ii) There are at least 7 (seven) Naga underground factions, who are outside the purview of the ongoing political talks. Why the negotiating parties (GoI and NSCN-IM) should not sincerely approach them with open mind is difficult to discern. At the same time this 7 (seven) Naga underground factions are also not coming to a single platform presenting a comprehensive and common agenda for the cause of the Naga Political Issue and its solution therein.
(iii) I do not understand as to why the Government of Nagaland should not be taken into confidence by the negotiating parties, which is truly peoples’ mandated government and therefore cannot be simply wished away.
(iv) There are recognised political parties in the State besides the government who may also have wisdom laden ideas and proposals to contribute in the political talks.
(v) I have no hesitation to appreciate the sincerity and commitment to the negotiating parties. Having said that, the Naga in general should also come out with open mind and contribute their views and ideas instead of developing negative attitude. The Nagas cannot afford to lose the present opportunity in shaping the destiny of their future. I am also appealing to the negotiating parties to exhibit the art of benevolent diplomacy and statesmanship devoid of arrogance. This is the time to demonstrate the good quality leadership while ironing out its obstacles and difficulties.
I am putting this personal opinion in the public domain in my individual capacity, representing myself as a concerned Naga citizen and hope that it will not injure anybody whatsoever.
