"It is beyond high time for Govt of India and negotiating parties to solve Naga political issue at the earliest," says exPAN statement

It's realistic and result-oriented statement from the body of ex legislators and lawmakers from Nagaland - 

The Ex-PARLIAMENTARIAN'S ASSOCIATION OF NAGALAND (Ex-PAN) statement (based on deliberations on March 14) says -

"It is beyond high time for the Govt of India and the negotiating parties to solve the Indo-Naga political issue at the earliest. 

The Ex-PAN further expounds on the words of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to the Political Affairs Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, "to take 80% and leave the balance 20% to be taken up later". 

"The house also empowered the Executive Council to deliberate and arrange for to set up a committee of the Ex-PAN to meet with all the negotiating parties and the Govt of India to discuss and put forward our suggestions".

Notably, incumbent Nagaland Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K. G. Kenye was the Special Guest on the occasion. 

Kenye represents Chizami assembly segment in the present Assembly and was Rajya Sabha member as NPF nominee for a stint between 2016 and 2022. 

Significantly, he had voted in favour of much talked Citizen Amendment Bill - which later became CAA - in December 2019.  

At one point of time, it was suggested that Kenye has/had developed a good working rapport with the central BJP leaders. 

The controversial CAA was piloted by none other the powerful Home Minister Amit Shah. 

Did he distance himself from the saffron party leadership to be closer to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio remains to be seen in the months to come. 

The March 14 deliberation was was Chaired by former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Ex-PAN Executive Member, Neiba Ndang. In 1993, Ndang had created a record by his own merit when as a first time legislator he was elected as the Speaker of the Nagaland assembly. The then Leader of the Opposition Vamuzo (now deceased) had then said that as "fighting cocks" his party NPC wanted to field a candidate for the coveted Speaker's office. 

But later gave up the idea after Chief Minister S C Jamir named Neiba Ndang as the Congress candidate for the key post.  

Former Minister & Deputy Speaker of the NLA and the President of the Ex-PAN, Mr. Joshua Sümi delivered the Presidential Address and also welcomed the Special Guest and all the members present. 

In his address, the President highlighted the activities of the Ex-PAN and assured the members that the Office of the Ex-PAN will continue to work for the welfare of all the members and at the same time requested the members to continue to support and participate in all the activities of the Association. 

He especially appreciated the Special Guest K G Kenye for having steered the Ex-PAN as the longest serving General Secretary.

The press statement said:

"Short speeches were delivered by former Ministers and Advisors of the Ex-PAN, Mr. I. Imkong and Mr. Z. Lohe where Mr. Imkong congratulated the present team of office bearers for being one of the most active teams till date and encouraged the team to continue working hard for the Association and the members. 

He also expounded on the fact all sitting MLAs and MPs will also one day become members of the Ex-PAN and therefore requested the Special Guest to carry forward the message to all his colleagues that the requests made by the Ex-PAN must be considered seriously since this will be beneficial to all of them one day. 

He further encouraged all the members to continue being the champions of social uplift and harmony and avoid controversies as the Ex-PAN must maintain neutrality and remain an apolitical body. 

Z. Lohe acknowledged the presence of the large number of senior members who are already in their 80s who could attend the meeting. 

Lohe also impressed upon the house that the Ex-PAN must become a part of the cure for the many illnesses which is plaguing the Nagas. 

The Special Guest, Kenye, addressed the gathering where, as one of the founding members of the Ex-PAN, he narrated how it was envisaged to establish the Ex-PAN by the visionary founding members as well as the formative years of the association. 

In his speech, the Special Guest raised some of the concerns that is presently weighing down the Nagas and foremost amongst them being the need of a dignified and strong organization that commands the respect of the people that will help and steer the people in the right direction instead of the path that the people and various organizations in the State are presently taking. 

On this note, he challenged the Ex-PAN to rise to the occasion and become that steering force since the organization is made up of leaders who are respected and admired by the people. 

Kenye : Does he smile on behalf of the entire cabinet ?

He also emphasized on the concern that our society is fast losing our values that were instilled into our communities by our forefathers. Our age-old traditions and culture of respecting our elders, hard work, loyalty and honesty are being fast replaced by the lack of respect for one another, greed and the lack of work culture. 

He called upon the Ex-PAN to start playing the role of an elder and speak out and act boldly where others are hesitant. The Special Guest also harped upon how we have now begun to abuse our auspicious tribal festivals which, during the times of our forefathers were occasions to seek Gods blessings. 

The Ex-PAN also submitted a memorandum to the Hon'ble Chief Minister through the Hon'ble Minister, highlighting the problems and the needs and the requirements of the Ex- PAN members. 

Naga Political Issue: 

"More than seven decades of struggle and a decade long peace negotiation is enough. People of Nagaland want to develop and progress like any other states without hindrances. The Act East Policy of the Government of India (Gol) can fructify if there is permanent peace in the land. 

The Ex-PAN urges upon the Gol to make public the competencies of the Framework Agreement at the earliest and also come out with a common. draft of the two documents signed, the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position. 

It is beyond high time for the Gol and the negotiating parties to solve the Indo-Naga political issue at the earliest. 

The Ex-PAN further expounds on the words of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to the Political Affairs Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, "to take 80% and leave the balance 20% to be taken up later". 

The house also empowers the Executive Council to deliberate and arrange for to set up a committee of the Ex-PAN to meet with all the negotiating parties and the Gol to discuss and put forward our suggestions." 

ends