Dimapur, July 3 (EMN): Seemingly peeved with the extension of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958, in the whole of Nagaland for another six months, the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has urged the government of India in general and Nagaland Governor RN Ravi, who is also the interlocutor for Naga peace process, in particular to clearly come out and let the people know of their seriousness in solving the Naga political issue.
While drawing attention to June 16 letter written by the governor to the chief minister of Nagaland, CNSA expressed confusion as to who the ‘armed groups’ he was referring to. If the letter is proved right, CNSA stated that the Naga political groups in the negotiation should also assist the government to control those groups.
“And if the governor is referring to the Naga political groups, he is also a party to those armed groups as he has been guiding them for almost 6 years and counting. The same yardstick should be used upon him under relevant IPC for instigating and harbouring armed groups thus creating law and order issues disturbing peace in the state,” said CNSA president Himato Yeptho and the general secretary Lipemo M Tsopoe in a joint statement.
Affirming that Naga political struggle for their identity would not end in a truce, CNSA has cited the ceasefire of 1964 as a glaring example for all the stakeholders, saying any ceasefire without outcome would only reignite the movement. It reminded the government of India and all Naga political groups that just silencing the cadres would not end the people’s movement, adding the settlement or solution should be acceptable and honourable without compromising the inalienable rights and history of the Naga people.
CNSA also urged all the stakeholders to view the present ceasefire arrangement as an opportunity to usher in understanding and build trust among the people as Naga people have always felt being oppressed and suppressed due to the lack of understanding the customs, culture and way of life by the dominant group. CNSA also believed that the present is the best time as the consensus to solve the imbroglio was fully endorsed and supported by the majority of the people.
Stating that ceasefire cannot continue forever due to failure in understanding each other, CNSA appealed to the government of India and all the Naga political groups to find an amicable solution or call it a day and continue the struggle with renewed commitment. Nevertheless, CNSA hoped that good sense would prevail.
