Thank God for giving us this privilege to have this meeting under the aegis of Naga Hoho. The opportunity is precious to all of the participants and I believe that every one of the participants in spite of having shortcomings and weaknesses has come with best intentions to contribute his or her best for the Naga people. We are aware that our people need to have a common public body such as Naga Hoho or a public apex body through which the Naga people irrespective of tribes or organisations can have interaction and sharing of opinions for peace and unity of the people. So we have and it should be guided, helped and strengthened as a common body having sense of belonging.
As far as our political achievement is concerned, we are where we were 40 years ago. Where we are now is that the second political talk between the government of India and the NSCN (I-M) has been going on. Out of the factions, the NSCN (I-M) has been chosen by the GoI and a cease-fire agreement was signed between them and political negotiation to bring about a final settlement is going. But after so many talks in India and abroad, the GoI is proved to be insincere to bring about a settlement honourable and acceptable to both sides but they want a settlement in their own term. So we are where we were is that the Peace Mission Proposal in 1964 was, “To accept the union of India on their own volition” which was rejected by NNC. The Shillong Accord in 1975 was “to accept the Constitution of India o their own volition.” The present talk is still in “tug of war” over the constitution of India. Within a span of 42 years, that is between the first and the second talks, our political achievement is far from a breakthrough in spite of the movement being under more efficient leadership and now the national movement is being sabotaged by fratricidal killing which is a black record in the history of the Nagas. The talk is still going on and I don’t say that it is a failure. I hope that it will be a success.
The government of India mistook the Naga problem as a law and order problem and most horrible atrocities in the world were perpetrated on the Nagas. But now they realise that the Naga problem is a political problem and the uniqueness of Naga history and situation is acknowledged. Can the GoI compensate the Nagas?
Now it is useless and senseless to continue fratricidal killing which is being cursed by the Nagas. By giving up bullet war and media war, all should put our heads together and think more realistically and seriously with cool headedness and sobriety. All National Workers should come forward to present their agendas, suggestion or proposal to the Naga public through Naga Hoho for peace and reconciliation. Any suggestion should be honoured. It is the only way of resolving fratricidal conflict. The National Workers are our people and the general public are their public and the Naga Hoho is their Hoho. The public is the best judge. The question of favouritism or partiality does not arise. They should speak out to the public through the Naga Hoho.
Rev. L Suohie Mhasi
