‘What is right, not who is right’: TR Zeliang

Kohima, February 16 (MExN): Opposition leader TR Zeliang said the ‘Naga political issue is not about who is right but what is right for the Nagas.’

Participating in the discussion on the Naga political issue at the 7th session of the 13th NLA, Zeliang said for decades we have struggled to find an amicable and early solution which is the desire and aspiration of all Nagas spread across four Indian States and two Nations.

He acknowledged the ‘apparent gap’ between the Naga negotiating groups and stated that as elected representatives of the people and facilitators, the members have a big role to play in bridging the gap and differences between them.

Zeliang said that bridging the gap can start only when “we stop to take sides and stop playing the role of a judge by determining who is right but rather we should strive towards what is best and right for the Nagas.”

Zeliang remarked that the Political Affairs Mission (PAM) of the NPF stands for “One Solution, One Accord” adding that during the course of PAM consultation with various CSOs and the Naga Negotiating groups everyone was in line with this and willing to wholeheartedly support for “One Solution.” 

Referring to the PDA Government’s resolution of ‘One Solution for One People’ adopted on October 15, 2020, Zeliang stressed the need for the government to pursue the same in letter and spirit and that solution should be based on “Naga historical and Political rights” and on the “Unique history and position of the Nagas. If we can impress upon the Government of India to work out final modalities to come to a meeting point, wherein all the groups agree for one solution in the best interest of the Nagas, it will bring about lasting peace in our land,” Zeliang said.

Stating that the best lessons are learnt from past mistakes, Zeliang said that it is time we learn from past Agreements and Accords and bring out a tenable solution.