APO holds consultative meeting with ‘national workers’

Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 11

The Angami Public Organization (APO), with a view to create a platform of understanding, organized a consultation meeting with the Angami ‘national workers’ from different ‘Naga political groups’ (NPGs) at the APO Hall, Kohima on Monday. Besides Angami public leaders, the meeting was attended by leaders of NPGs in the Angami region including the NNC (Non-Accordist), NSCN (IM), GPRN/NSCN and NSCN/GPRN (R).
The need for understanding, reconciliation and unity amongst the different NPGs despite the differences that have divided them over the years, for the greater interest of the Naga people as a whole, was the crux of the meeting. The house reminisced the significant events in the history of the Naga movement such as the memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929 wherein the Naga people declared their position as a “sovereign people and nation”, the declaration of Naga sovereignty on 14 August 1947, the Naga Plebiscite 1951, 16 Point Agreement 1960, Shillong Accord 1975, which ultimately is considered as the root cause of division among the Nagas etc.
Peace activist and APO advisory board member, Niketu Iralu, in his brief address stressed on the necessity to respect and acknowledge the sacrifices made by the pioneers and past leaders of the Naga movement. He pointed out that most of the younger generation Nagas are educated academically today but their knowledge of the Naga political issue is limited to killings, factions and extortion. They must be enlightened about the historical facts and they must understand that the identity of the Nagas as a people is clear, Iralu said.
On the “framework agreement” signed on August 3 last year between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) towards bringing a settlement to the Naga political issue, he said a lot of apprehension and debates ensued the event. It may seem unfair that the details of the agreement are not revealed but let us hope that it is for the good of the Nagas and any settlement that comes must not weaken the historical foundation of the Nagas, he stated. Towards this, he called upon the Angami ‘national workers’ to stand firm on non-violence and humanity, whatever transpires, and set exemplary roles for their Naga brothers and sisters.
NSCN (IM) Angami Region CAO, Zeneituo said that the Shillong Accord 1975 gave birth to divisions in the Naga political movement, however, he acknowledged that before the signing of the accord, the Nagas were one, regardless of the good or the bad events/results. He talked about the formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and its further division later in 1988, the NSCN (IM) entering into ceasefire with the Government of India in 1997, and the signing of the “framework agreement” after 18 years of negotiations. He highlighted that every Naga must understand the meaning of the word “framework” before jumping into conclusions with apprehensions. Although shared sovereignty is being talked about, he said, this does not mean that the long fought for sovereignty and integration of the Nagas are out of the picture.
He also emphasized that the NSCN (IM) leadership and the Government of India are in the process of consulting with the Naga people, the civil societies and other groups. “What the NNC has sown, the NSCN (IM) has nurtured, and the we (Nagas) are going to reap the fruit”, he said, acknowledging the NNC as a frontrunner of the history of the Naga political movement.
Meanwhile, veteran NNC (non-accordist) leader, Gen. (Retd) Thinoselie Keyho shared his concerns about the divisions in the Naga society. He also admitted that the Shillong Accord 1975 gave birth to factionalism due to differences in interpretation. While recollecting the history of the Naga political movement, the veteran leader asserted that the sufferings of the pioneer leaders will all go waste if there is no understanding and reconciliation.
Another NNC leader, Vizosielhou Nagi, in his brief speech, lamented the grave divisions among the Nagas, however, he candidly pointed out that it is not only the Nagas but even the Angamis are yet to find unity amongst themselves. He talked of going beyond one’s interest and ego and finding a common ground with others with humility.
While the house emphasized on unity, GPRN/NSCN MIP kilonser, N Metha is of the view that the Nagas are in a better position today. He expressed his view that the Nagas are now more united than before despite factional divisions. He shared concern for the need to develop an economically developed state for all Nagas, particularly the future generation. On such occasion that has been put together for consultation which not only concentrates on the Angami people alone but covers all the Nagas in general, he appreciated the APO team for their effort and assured “We will not leave one another”.
Representative from NSCN/GPRN (R), MK Angami highlighted that his group was formed recently however, its leaders are seasoned Naga “national workers” who envisions a peaceful settlement. He said as with the motto of the group “peace and non-violence”, the group welcomes the “framework agreement” without having any inclination towards anyone but purely on the ground that they aspire to keep a peaceful relationship with others and a peaceful settlement.
Earlier, APO president, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi also shared some concerns of the organization and while acknowledging the Angami “national workers” for their efforts towards the Naga national movement, he called upon them to rethink and give their best for the Nagas as a whole.
APO advisory board member, Vipralhou Kesiezie and APO vice president Pfükhrielie Peseyie also spoke at the meeting. The programme was chaired by APO vice president KT Vilie Theünuo and was attended by delegations from Angami Youth Organization, Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho and other units of APO.

The APO resolved on a set of recommendations during the consultative meeting held with the Angami ‘national workers’

That all the Naga ‘national workers’ present in Angami jurisdiction maintain peace and tranquillity, upholding brotherhood for the interest of the people in general; That Naga national groups will not involve in confrontation, conflict and bloodshed in Angami jurisdiction; On the occasion that any work or solution are brought about for the Angamis and Nagas, the Angamis will have thoughtful understanding and pave the way for such event; and that the Angamis yearn for peace and have need for development, thereby the “national workers” will pave or make way for any step or activity towards these goals.