Some of it are on expected line, but the tone and tenor of a statement from Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), an umbrella body of seven groups operating in Nagaland, could surprise many, and more so for the timing of it.
The NNPGs has dismissed the NSCN (IM) Framework Agreement inked with Government of India on Aug 5, 2015, stating that this "cannot stand the test of history".
"The Framework Agreement document is therefore haphazard and historically inaccurate. It collapses on its own weight of distortion and contradictions," the statement said.
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| Namo in Nagaland |
"Thankfully", it also stated that the Naga history neither resides in one paper nor owned by a group of people.
The statement read:
Naga Labour Corps (NLC): The tribes of Nagaland numbering two thousand men, all fit
and strong, sailed to European theatre of war to assist the Allies.
A year later, the enlightened WWI NLC returnees imagined the concept of Naga nationalism. The formation of Naga Club in 1918 aroused the spirit of political activism and nationalism, which culminated into submitting of memorandum to British Statutory Commission in 1929. By 1947, it was crystal clear, the political struggle had begun. Naga self determination issue was a vision and guiding
light.
In the light of the historical truth, the 3rd August 2015 Framework Agreement says, "The Indo-Naga political struggle is about six decades..."; this opening line of FA put a damp blanket upon four eventful decades of Naga political struggle.
The GoI, of course, eagerly arranged TV channels to record the moment wherein a signatory accepted and put pen to paper that the issue is "about six decades old" and that he understands and appreciates the "intricacies of the Indian system".
History will not blame entire IM (NSCN-IM) setup for this debacle because it was orchestrated by a group within the leadership.
1955 was roughly the year when few Manipuri Nagas joined the Naga political movement. During WWI many Manipuri Nagas joined Manipuri Labour Corps.
They returned home with bronze MLC medals on their chests. They were not part of the Naga Club, they were not signatory to Simon Commission, they were not engaged on 14th Aug.1947 event.
They did not take part in 1951 plebiscite. This is a reality. Naturally, Naga
political struggle, to them is six decades or less, counting from 1955 to FA 2015.
They knew their chronology well and did not go beyond sixty years. For Nagaland tribes, the serious political strategy had begun in 1918. It is obvious that NSCN IM decision makers had taken every measure to erase political events which their fathers did not participate in.
Legitimacy over any matter, let alone taxation, must have historical and moral basis.
The FA document is therefore haphazard and historically inaccurate. It collapses on its own weight of distortion and contradictions. It cannot stand the test of history.
Thankfully Naga history neither resides in one paper nor owned by a group of people.
The British forcefully imposed and collected tax on Nagas without any regret or remorse
because they foresaw no future in the Indian subcontinent. Ironically today, a Naga group
declaring they will enforce and continue imposing taxing on Naga people, as a blunt response
to GoI opinion on tax, is senseless, contemptuous and an insult to heavily burdened Nagas in
Nagaland. Noticeably there is a mindset and policy fixed on destroying Nagaland
economically, culturally and socially, criminalising the Naga cause after twenty four years of
chameleon-like narrative.
After the formation of the NNC in 1946, it became the bounden duty of every household to
contribute voluntarily to the Naga movement. 1951 plebiscite was a clarion call to all Nagas
to be aware of our historical rights in our respective domains. It was an unwritten agreement
among tribes and villagers that voluntary contribution and donation towards the political
movement would be sought and granted. Today Naga plebiscite is cited like a licence, a bus
ticket for many to travel to Nagaland and threaten, intimidate, blackmail and take advantage
of the generosity of the tribes.
1951 Plebiscite establishes Naga ethnicity in principle. It, however, cannot be misinterpreted
to ignore current political and administrative boundaries, artificial or otherwise, to destroy the
livelihood of our people through forceful taxation.
Although our aspiration remains, at present the GoI has ruled out Naga Integration. This
reality was admitted by Mr. Th. Muivah on 29 th Feb. 2012 at Agri Expo, Grounds Dimapur.
Either he was lying to 50,000 Naga people in attendance or revealing the truth! GoI and WC,
NNPGs have agreed that Naga integration would be pursued democratically post solution.
For this each NNPG has reviewed and formulated own no taxation policy outside Nagaland
state. Concerning Nagaland, it is the people's general sense of responsibility and
understanding of issue at hand. After all "Agreed Position" is a reaffirmation and extension of
1951 plebiscite.
The tribes of Nagaland, NGBF, FNR, NTC, CNTC, NBCC, and all naga civil societies and
intellectuals, demanded and assisted in bringing together seven NNPGs as Working
Committee (WC). The political talks with the GoI has concluded. On the basis of the Agreed
position signed with GoI on 17 th Nov. 2017, after three years of negotiations, a status paper is
available and all Naga tribes and civil societies have been briefed on the political structure of
impending solution.
WC,NNPGs will say this to those claiming legitimacy of Naga cause. Never teach the tribes
of Nagaland the history of their struggle. The political movement their fathers and
grandfathers established. Do not talk about historical events that you or your fathers did not
take part in. You have no moral right or authority. A branch cannot teach the root how to merge with the soil.
Today, Nagaland is threatened on all sides by once friendly neighbours. They have become sworn enemies due to the destructive acts and deeds committed in decades against neighbouring peoples and nations.
The "Agreed Position" between GoI and WC,NNPGs corrected the historical and political
blunder and vacuum created by FA when GoI Interlocutor Mr. R.N Ravi, who had earlier
signed FA in 2015 with IM, recognised, "...the right of the Nagas to self determine their
future in consonance with their distinct identity..." while all matters would be resolved with
due regard to contemporary political realities. This has allowed the WC to meet our
neighbours like Meiteis, Kukis and Ahoms. NNPGs have begun healing process in the
neighbourhood.
WC, NNPGs is the child of the Naga tribes and civil societies. It does not believe in threats
and intimidations. As long as WC, NNPGs and GoI work on to finalise honourable and
acceptable political solution for future Naga generations, the pledge and spirit of 1951
plebiscite will guide our people to assist and sustain the movement.
GOD BLESS NAGALAND!
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