Legislators, CSOs discuss formation of ‘apex body’ for Nagas of Nagaland

KOHIMA — A significant meeting took place at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima, bringing together civil society leaders and senior legislators, to discuss the formation of an ‘apex body’ representing all Naga tribes of Nagaland.

Along with the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Tenyemi Union Nagaland (TUN), and its affiliated organisations, prominent legislators, including the two deputy chief ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, ministers G Kaito Aye and KG Kenye, and advisor Imkong L Imchen, addressed the meeting.

Dr Chumben Murry, the facilitator for the formation of the Naga tribal body and political advisor to the chief minister, chaired the event.

Members from the two bodies and its affiliated tribal organisations also shared their views at the meeting.

However, the absence of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) during the meeting resulted in the inability to adopt any resolution, including the nomenclature for the apex body.

It was disclosed that two steering meetings had been conducted previously on separate occasions – one with the CNTC and Tenyemi Union Nagaland, and the other with ENPO. Nevertheless, ENPO expressed a differing opinion regarding the new initiative.

In a statement following its Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting earlier on September 8, 2023, at Tuensang HQ, ENPO addressed the matter of suggesting a common platform for civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nagaland, as proposed by political adviser to chief minister Dr Chumben Murry.

“After thorough deliberation on the matter, it was resolved that ENPO shall always extend its fullest cooperation and come together with other Naga tribes to address any common issue confronting Naga people by representing or participating as ENPO, but not necessarily under one common platform as proposed,” the ENPO had said at the time.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Dy. CM Patton posted on the X micro-blogging site, that it was a “significant day for Nagaland as we took a giant leap towards our deep-felt desire to form a united apex body encompassing different tribes of the state to reconcile and build a shared future.”

He thanked the CNTC and TUN for their presence and for coming together to work towards this goal.

“As we endeavour towards this, we all must remember that trust is the key and the apex body, when formed, must address interests of every tribe with respect and wisdom,” the Dy. CM wrote on X.

“United by our proud histories and culture, this would be the dawn of new era of reconciliation. But the road ahead has challenges which unity alone can help overcome, and I urge all to realise the strength of our collective efforts for the future of Nagaland we all envision”, he added.

Earlier, State Chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak pronounced the invocation for the meeting.

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