Kikon seeks NLA resolution on integration of Naga-inhabited areas

KOHIMA — Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator, AchumbemoKikon implored the Nagaland assembly to adopt a resolution for the integration of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas.

Participating in the discussions on the Governor’s address on the second day of the Fourth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kikon recalled that the NLA had passed resolution six times in 1964, 1970, 1994, 2003, 2015, and 2018, and as all the legislators in the present opposition-less government are serious about resolving the Naga political issue, it would be wrong not to adopt a resolution on integrating contiguous Naga-inhabited areas.

Kikon went on to say that the suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) must be seriously discussed as it is the bone of contention for the Naga people at the moment.

The NPF leader was also critical of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and advisor for IPR & Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen’s argument that the Indo-Myanmar border should be fenced, asserting that the Naga people “are divided without our consent.”

Taking exception of Imchen’s use of the terms ‘Naga insurgency’ and ‘cessationist,’ Kikon reminded that the Naga movement started even before India got independence.

Nagas have every right to assert their rights as far as political rights are concerned, he asserted, maintaining that the Governor, in his address, has asserted the same.

He went on to state that the government, in its best vision, must renunciate the FMR suspension and border fencing and affirmed the NPF’s conviction that the Naga-inhabited areas should be integrated.

To bolster his argument, Kikon pointed out that the Chief Angh of Longwa, whose house is split between India and Myanmar, rules over 11 villages in Myanmar, and questioned the logic behind fencing the border.

Border fencing cannot be done, he asserted, adding that the NPF would not be a party to it.

GoI responsible for division of Naga society— Nienu

Rebutting the centre’s move to fence the border, MLA KuzholuzoNienu blamed the government of India for the divisions in the Naga society, particularly with regard to the political groups.

He also called for ‘threadbare’ discussions on the Naga political issue while highlighting the need for unity as the political groups are now divided into 24 factions.

Stressing the need for retrospection and introspection, he maintained that the ‘sacrifices’ of the forefathers were not for the Framework Agreement or Agreed Position, but for ‘sovereignty.’

Appreciating Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's statement that he is willing to ‘pave the way’ if an agreement is reached, Nienu emphasised that the rest of the legislators are on the same page and urged the house leader to ‘walk the talk.’