The Nagas are once again at a crossroads, NNPG working convener P Tikhak Naga said at Dimapur, Nagaland, on Feb 8th on the occasion of Installation of three new conveners of the umbrella organisation of Naga militant groups.
He said infighting and differences have taken a "big toll" on people and on the Naga issue but - it is also true at the same time that "we and we alone can help ourselves".
"We should not expect others to come to our help," he said in presence of an impressive gathering of 'Naga national workers' and key leaders such as Gen (Retd) M B Neokpao, Isak Sumi and Alezo Venuh.
He also underlined - "We must repose our trust in ourselves" and also hastened to add that, - "it is important for us to introspect where we have gone wrong".
Fellow working convener Isak maintained that the position of leadership is an opportunity to serve the people. While suggesting that the answer to the Naga quest “might be right in front of us,” he said that Nagas have been missing the opportunity due to their focusing on individual gain only.
While interacting with the media later, Tikhak revealed that they had offered N Kitovi Zhimomi the position of advisor to WC-NNPG even after he was impeached by his group. He pointed out that the committee had not appointed a new convenor till Saturday because they felt that Kitovi could still guide them as an advisor.
He acknowledged that Agreed Position was signed by the NNPG under the leadership of Kitovi.
Neopkao further reiterated that they will never allow fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
On the same issue, Isak pointed out that the Agreed Position provides for an extension of the Free Movement Regime “beyond 36 kilometres” from its previous limit of 16 kilometres. Therefore, he said, their main concern is bringing to fruition the Agreed Position so that the border fencing issue also can be resolved.
He further maintained that they did not form a new working committee—insisting that it was not even a restructuring exercise, but a mere ‘continuation’ of a process.
When asked about the existence of more than 25 NPGs, Isak acknowledged that not every group may be genuinely working for the Nagas.
Tikhak also stated: "We should also not fall into the trap of certain people .... because they are looking at the Naga political issue as an opportunity".
Quoting Saint Augustine, he said, it will be in fitness of things for Nagas to believe that - we must pray as though everything belongs to God but also "work as though everything depends upon you/us".
Tikhak said --- it is important for all stakeholders to have the "right understanding" of the issue. "Our intention should be clear ...intention should be pure," he said and also emphasised that even the 'means' should be good and "pure" in pursuing the road-map towards the Goal.
Neokpao, in his address, pledged to continue carrying forward a Naga political movement beleaguered by multiple splintering. He said it was embarrassing to admit, but added,
“I can proudly say that I have not compromised on my principles and my Naga national spirit.”
According to Isak Sumi, the question of Convenor was immaterial as all the Naga Political Groups and leaders, who have been engaged in the peace process since inception, are all equal stakeholders. “He is one of the main leaders who have been navigating the process all this while…
Minor differences will be there, but when it comes to the Naga issue, we all have one clear objective,” he said.
The Agreed Position is the 'rallying point' to which they have all committed and looking forward to working together as earlier.
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