Amid debates over the modus operandi for arriving at the 'final' accord to end decades old Naga Insurgency, a new debate has started on whether Governor R N Ravi, also the peace interlocutor, has achieved what he was supposed to.
Well, trust players such as the Naga Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), the peace pact is virtually ready and can be signed anytime. The other camp - that is NSCN (IM) is demanding Ravi's ouster as the 'interlocutor'.
Will it be right to say Nagas were one entity and united in rocklike fashion till this man called RN Ravi entered the space? Is there a writing on the wall it is Ravi single-handedly who has successfully divided the Nagas?
The important point is perhaps a section of 'Nagas from Manipur' perhaps stands 'isolated' in circa 2020 from their brethren in 'the state of Nagaland'. And if so, why and how?
N Kitovi Zhimomi, convener of NNPGs, has said:
“The general notion that is infused into the Naga Society is that ‘If the talks fail, we go back to jungles’. This is easier said. The resultant of this move would be disastrous to our Naga brothers and their families,” he said.
“Should we continue to shed blood?,”
In this context, the village elders, the Gaon Bura Federation also has their argument: "God fearing leaders should not insist their words and actions are final in the Naga context".
This element is vital as so far only one version of the story was given all importance. Of course, the NSCN(IM) had its 'strength' when an argument was pushed, but in no manner can an elected Prime Minister of India give a 'separate constitution and flag'. In order to ensure harmony in states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam - the division of any state is also ruled out.
Well, it will be illogical to presume that in the name of getting a solution for the vexed Naga problem , the Modi regime could trigger off 'problems' in three other states in the region.
Nagaland Oppn. NPF gives it a key role to work for 'unity'
After pulling out from the Joint Legislators Forum that had pledged to work for 'unity' among Nagas and ensure an early solution, the opposition in the state Naga People’s Front president Shürhozelie Liezietsu has constituted a 14-member Political Affairs Mission (PAM) to facilitate the Naga peace process.
The PAM shall work on mission mode in its assignment, the NPF said.
PAM will be headed by former CM TR Zeliang, Leader of Opposition as convenor; Thenucho, working president (Pol. Affairs); Apong Pongener, senior working president and MLAs-- Imkong L Imchen, Yitachu, Y. Vikheho Swu, Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, Dr. Chumben Murry, Khriehu Liezietsu, Er. Picto Shohe, Azheto Zhimomi, Y.M. Yollow, Moatoshi Longkumer and Muthingnyuba Sangtam as members.
The committee has been empowered to choose co-opt member/members whenever necessary.
NPF Working Committee during its meeting on August 26 decided to constitute PAM following withdrawal of its legislators from the Joint Legislators’ Forum on Naga political issue.
TR Zeliang later said that the recently constituted Political Affairs Mission (PAM), which comprises NPF officials and NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP), would function independently.
Zeliang said that the JLF was defunct without the opposition party. Zeliang pointed out that during “opposition-less” government the forum was known as Nagaland Legislators Forum (NLF). However, with opposition and the ruling party together, he said the forum was known as JLF.
“There is no more JLF because without the lone opposition party how can they use the name JLF. Ruling PDA alone cannot use the name JLF, they should call it the PDA Legislators Committee or PAC created in 2018,” said Zeliang.
'Division' among Naga organisations comes out in open : Village Elders flay NSCN (IM)
New Delhi :
The division in the Naga society -- including Nagas of Nagaland 'state' and outside chiefly in states such as Manipur - has come out in open in more ways than one.
The Naga Gaon Bura Federation, NGBF, an influential and respected body of 'village elders' has flays NSCN (IM), which essentially draws strength from its cadres among Tangkhul and Sema Nagas.
"God fearing leaders should not insist their words and actions are final in the Naga context. The people's voice and will is final. NGBF is opposed to dictate that stifles people's sentiment. Nagas did not oppose British occupation and Indian occupation to finally be treated like expendable humans at the hands of fellow Nagas".
The statement says:
"There is a perpetual tendency within NSCN (IM) leadership to brand Naga leaders, tribes, organizations, other civil societies as anti Nagas and traitors for not towing their political ideology. This is a mockery of Nagaland for Christ. The statements contradict frequent fasting programs and prayer requests seeking cooperation from Nagas. God fearing leaders should not insist their words and actions are final in the Naga context".
In recent past differences surfaced among Naga organisations and militant bodies as NSCN(IM) insisted that there should be separate Flag and Constitution for Nagas, while other groups specially NNPG led by N Kitozi Sema have said they are keen to sign the peace accord "anytime".
The NSCN (IM) has demanded replacing of R N Ravi as interlocutor and said - “The issue is now in the court of Government of India that should come out with an undertaking that Framework Agreement (signed in August 2015) is still alive in its original form and to be handled by somebody other than RN Ravi".
However, other organisations have backed Ravi.
The NGBF statement on August 28 reminded that 'post Shillong Accord in 1975', rampant killing among Naga national workers ensued in 'Eastern Nagaland', and after the split of NSCN in 1988, the fratricidal killings spilled into present Nagaland state.
“The brazen assassination attempts on politicians, bureaucrats, civil society leaders and wiping out of a generation of young local entrepreneurs is still very fresh in the memory of our people. Today, leaders or groups with such tendencies must rethink. Our children have come of age. Wounds of the past must be allowed to heal and not flare,” it said.
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