74th Naga Independence Day: NSCN (R) urges negotiating groups to hammer out differences

Dimapur, Aug. 14 (EMN): As solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga political issue is expected sooner than later, president of NSCN (R) Y Wangtin Konyak has urged the two Naga political groups — NSCN (IM) and NNPG — to realise the past mistake and come forward to hammer out any form of differences before signing the final documents with GOI to avoid possible future blame game.

Konyak stated that NNPG, though a conglomeration of seven different organisations, are one in all fronts. As all Nagas are one in political issue, Konyak felt that the two groups should build consensus before going for the final battle which would be ‘once and for all’.

Address the Nagas on the occasion 74th Naga Independence Day, Konyak saluted all those who have sacrificed their lives for the Naga nation. Equally, he saluted all the Naga freedom fighters and public for their tireless efforts and support in the face of immeasurable hardships and challenges from the adversaries, who attempted to demean the sovereign rights of the Nagas.

“We cannot change our precious history and our inherent freedom cannot be buried under any circumstances,” Konyak said, adding, “We must be proud of our history and who we are because we are not lost people whose sovereign right is recognised internationally.”

He reminded that more than 70 years ago, the forefathers had officially and openly declared their independence on August 14, 1947 not against any country but in accordance with international norms, which India too knew it very well.

He went on to state that after many decades of blood and tears, both India and the Naga people have realised the futility of arms confrontation and engaged political dialogue for resolution of Asia’s longest political problem.

Konyak also stated that the Naga people are fortunate to have a strong and decisive person in the like of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India for appointing a clever and trustworthy person in the like of RN Ravi as interlocutor-cum-governor of Nagaland, who is dealing with Naga issue minutely. He added that the seriousness of Modi indicated earlier solution. He further hoped that the people would see the fruit of its long-cherished solution within few months’ time.