In a major development in Naga underground politics, NSCN (U) President M B Neokpao Konyak was named the new convener.
A statement said P Tikhak and Isak Sumi were appointed as the working conveners.
The statement said, “While the WC-NNPG sincerely acknowledges the sacrifices of Kitovi Zhimomi in steering the platform thus far, it also urges him to demonstrate maturity and to accord bigger priority to the common interest of the Nagas over and above individual differences or personal ambitions".
It further said, “All the affiliates of the NNPG equally share responsibilities, and none is lesser or greater than the other. Similarly, the Agreed Position is not something patented for exclusive individual ownership but an official political document outlining the roadmap for an inclusive Naga political solution".
No individual leader or group must ever make an assumption of individual monopoly of the Agreed Position on the basis of being a signatory, the working committee said.
A statement from the working committee on Sunday, Feb 2, explained that the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) was brought into being through a mutual contract between various Naga political groups to collectively and politically engage with the Centre with a clear objective of securing an honourable and enduring political solution to Indo-Naga political conflict.
“And to observe protocols and decorum of the conglomerate, a Working Committee was constituted from among the representatives nominated to the NNPG by respective Naga political groups.
As such, N Kitovi Zhimomi, former Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN(U) nominated by his President Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao to the NNPG, was inducted to the Working Committee as the Convener.
“Whereas, unfortunately, on 21st April 2024, Kitovi Zhimomi was impeached by their group from Ato Kilonser and subsequently recalled from the WC of NNPG.
Accordingly, the WC on 28th April and 28th May unanimously resolved to keep the position of convener in a moratorium while the efforts towards rapprochement were being initiated and also until such time as a new convener is elected/selected,” the statement read.
According to the committee, co-conveners Toshi Walling, Shitoho Chophy, and Kiumukam have appended their signatures on all the WC resolutions endorsing the removal of Kitovi Zhimomi from the position of convener.
“Reasons for their self-contradicting stand, therefore, are best known to them.
The convener of the WC is neither hereditary nor preeminent but a nominal head unanimously elected/selected to lead the NNPG by maintaining unanimity, cohesion, and transparency, the statement said.
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| Blogger in Nagaland |
An article in Manipur-based daily newspaper 'Ukhrul Times' leaves many crucial points to debate :
"No doubt the issue is complex (in Manipur ---- especially post Kuki-Meitei conflict) and the challenges are many, but the fragile situation in the state demands an earlier resolution to the conflict," it says.
The article penned by Ngachonmi Chamroy however cautions:
"It (the situation) can go from bad to worse. Therefore taking a tribal approach may save the government from seeking an awkward communal solution for the simple reason that tribal is a constitutional category not a community.
Moreover Hill Areas is already an accepted constitutional demarcation.
I am sure the tribals in Manipur do not have issue with the Meiteis/Meeteis being included in the Schedule Tribe list provided the existing Schedule Tribes in the Hill Areas of Manipur are considered a separate constitutional protection besides the present safeguard first.
A nuanced tribal based solution could be the right mantra.
The ongoing turmoil in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, following a peace rally by the All Tribal Students’ Union (ATSUM) to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, highlights the complexity of the state’s socio-political landscape, the article runs.
It also states: "Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s recent statement on January 8, 2025, attributing the unrest to this demand, marks a shift from his earlier emphasis on combating narcotic terrorism, which I think is a positive posturing.
This change in narrative reflects the deepening political crisis, but it also raises important questions about the roots of the violence and the failure to achieve peace.
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| Home Minister needs to find a Solution |
"The tribals in the Hill Areas of Manipur fear that the constitutional safeguard under Article 371C could be rendered meaningless and a flood gate of further exploitations opened if they are clubbed together with majority Meitei community as ST of the state.
"As such the demand of the Meiteis is perceived by many tribal groups as a treat to their own social and economic standing, further fuelling resentment and conflict.
"Another contributing factor for the continuing unrest is the role of the state and central governments in managing this sensitive issue. Despite the changing narratives, there has been little progress in addressing the core grievances of both communities.
"The inability of the state and central authorities to forge a meaningful dialogue and find a lasting resolution has perpetuated the cycle of violence."
ends
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