CSOs should step up and aid governance, says Nagaland MP Jamir

DIMAPUR — Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir said on Tuesday that civil society organisations (CSOs) should not solely depend on the state government for good governance and solutions; instead, it must strengthen governance and actively participate in resolving the challenges faced by the Naga people.

He said this while addressing the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and its federating units in Dimapur.

Jamir said that the NCD has been doing a commendable job in the ‘cosmopolitan city’ of Dimapur, serving not only Nagas but also the minority communities.

Reflecting on his election to the lower house of the Parliament, he described it as a “miracle” and a testament to the people’s faith in his commitment to secularism and the protection of all tribes and religions. He stressed that his victory was a collective mandate for all councillors to work together, with commitment to delivering justice and ensuring progress for the people.

Urging for greater awareness about the role of an MP, he said that a lot can be achieved through active co-ordination with the grassroots.

Dimapur, a cosmopolitan city, reflects the current state of the Nagas and organisation must understand the direction in which their community is heading and address the challenges, he said.

Jamir also touched on the long-pending Naga political issue — Framework Agreement and Agreed Position — which have remained unresolved for nine and seven years, respectively.

We must urge the government of India to resolve this issue without further delay, as false commitments without solutions will only exacerbate challenges, he asserted.

Further, he underscored the need to address the Naga people’s economic concerns, urging both the state government and the CSOs to take responsibility. He also called for strengthening internal governance mechanisms, while emphasising the NCD’s potential to act as an agency for positive change.

Meanwhile, NCD president, Etsungmomo Kikon presented a brief history of the council and its role in safeguarding the rights and interests of the Nagas since its inception in 1949.

He also informed the gathering that the NCD is preparing to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee on November 2, 2024, on the theme ‘Celebrating Naga Unity’.