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DIMAPUR — The Naga Hoho has said that attempts made by the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG), certain organisations and individuals to label it as a “mere mouthpiece of the NSCN-IM” are not only “unfounded but also a blatant attempt to undermine the very fabric of Naga civil society”.
In a rejoinder issued days after the WC-NNPG accused it of presenting a “degenerated and biased narrative” of the Naga political issue to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his recent yatra in Nagaland, the hoho said that it deliberated the “venomous allegations” levelled against it at its federal assembly convened on January 23 at Rengma Gaon, Assam, and “unequivocally condemned the baseless statement”. ( Also read: WC-NNPG slams Naga Hoho for ‘biased narrative’ of Naga issue)
“In this crucial juncture, Naga Hoho calls upon the Naga people and the global community to recognise the orchestrated attempts to dismantle Naga civil society and resist the divisive forces that threaten the collective vision for Naga self-determination and sovereignty,” read the rejoinder.
“The Naga Hoho, an institution with a storied history, has come under relentless assault, revealing a sinister pattern of dismantling Naga civil society, as envisioned by Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor, who declared civil society as the new frontier of war.
“As we examine the Naga Hoho Constitution points, it raises a poignant question: Do the finger-pointers no longer cherish and uphold the mandate of Naga Hoho, or have their minds and hearts lost connection with the essence of our collective aspirations?” it asked.
The hoho pointed out that its Constitution was guided by principles, including creating a sense of oneness among the Naga people for unity and nurturing a shared identity; upholding and defending the political, economic, socio-cultural and other common interests of the Nagas; defending the traditional Naga territory and safeguarding its people from external threats: integration of Naga homeland; and to promote the overall welfare of the Nagas by protecting their inalienable rights and interests.
Asserting that it has consistently pressed the Government of India for an early political settlement, the hoho dismissed the “malicious claims” levelled against it.
The hoho went on to clarify that it has never advocated the delay in the Naga political negotiation but rather emphasised a prompt political solution, transcending factional interests.
“If NNPGs assert the conclusion of negotiations, they should promptly sign the Agreement based on the Agreed Position, which remains shrouded in opacity,” it said.
The hoho further argued that while the Framework Agreement was signed with global witnesses, the signing of the “Agreed Position remains unofficial and unknown to the people, raising questions about transparency and legitimacy”.
“It is evident that the attacks on Naga Hoho are aimed not only to tarnish its image but also to sow discord within the Naga community. This orchestrated assault, influenced by divisive forces, poses a severe threat to Naga unity and sovereignty. The Naga Hoho defiantly asserts that it will not succumb to these treacherous machinations orchestrated by those acting as blatant collaborators of India,” the hoho stated.