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Dimapur, Aug. 6 (EMN): The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) on Thursday took a dig at the Naga Hoho, saying that its recent “prejudiced and incoherent press statements” indicated that it has sold its soul.
A press statement issued by the media cell of WC, NNPG said that the Naga Hoho has no centre of gravity without civil organisations like ENPO, NTC, CNTC and NGBF, which abandoned it one after the other.
“The WC, NNPGs is extremely disturbed by the manner in which the good name of Naga Hoho is being misused by a handful of disillusioned men driven by personal ambitions. Initially, NH was for all and never for few. It was not meant to be a mouthpiece of one tribe, community or organisation. The founders of the Naga Hoho wanted it to be the cynosure of all eyes, drawing attention of all Nagas in matters of Naga history, identity and political struggle,” the statement read, adding that “a gang of covetous men have destroyed the foundation and tarnished the great vision of the founders of the NH”.
“Naga Hoho, if it really exists, ought to peruse through ‘Agreed Position’ signed between GOI and WC, NNPGs on 17th Nov. 2017. With due respect to all past agreements and accords, the ‘Agreed Position’ or ‘Preamble Agreement’ as it is also referred to, is the only historical document whose contents strikingly resonates the very comforting words spoken and assured by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian Nation, to NNC leaders at Bhangi Colony, New Delhi in 1947,” the statement added.
It said the Naga Hoho could not find any political significance in the historic declaration between the GOI and WC, and that “indiscipline has rendered it irreparable and irrelevant”.
The committee stated that the Naga tribal hohos, legislators, intellectuals, concerned senior members of Naga society etc. were briefed and status paper presented about the intensive rounds of political negotiations between the GOI and WC since 2017. It said all sections of the people were “receptive of the roadmap towards solution” and neighbouring communities were briefed too but the Naga Hoho seemed to be not aware of it.
It went on to say that the incumbent Naga Hoho President has been excommunicated by the Sumi people for six years after failing to comply with the Sumi Hoho’s directive to disassociate from the NH. It also accused the president and his colleagues of continuing “to seek misplaced glory using the platform of Naga Hoho”.
“If the remnant Naga Hoho desires to comment on the current Indo-Naga dialogue, it necessitates them seeking the advice and opinion of WC, NNPGs beside others. Simply parroting someone’s lines makes an organisation an object of ridicule. Naga Hoho is reminded that by mutual agreement and consent, since Oct. 31st, 2019, all formal negotiations with both IM and WC ended. This status quo is accepted whereby dialogue process and finalisation of negotiated matters continue to this day,” the statement said.
The committee also said that RN Ravi, Indian government’s interlocutor for Indo-Naga political dialogue, has “exhibited serious concern and commitment with practical touch” unlike his predecessors. “The present interlocutor’s commitment, depth and understanding of the Naga issue is second to none. With him at the helm, the Indo-Naga conflict has taken a pragmatic, proactive turn towards finding an acceptable and honourable political solution,” it said.
“To suggest a new interlocutor at this time is to rewind the Indo-Naga issue back to zero. A return to same old situation employing the same old trick: burn Nagaland, ransack it, strangulate and heap more misery and suffering on the Naga public in the name of political issue,” it added.
The committee said Naga civil bodies and people have come to know the factual position of GOI and Nagas. “All negotiating groups agreed in principle that dialogues had completed on 31st Oct. 2019. There is little reason for any entity to veer off the track,” it said.
It went on to say that “few hired mainland media people” have started talking about possible interlocutors for Naga talks in the comfort of their rooms without knowing the sentiments of the people. “They should come to Nagaland, meet the tribes and get their facts right,” it said.
“The WC, NNPGs will neither comment nor tutor Mr. R.N on how to play a gubernatorial role in the state of Nagaland. Naga people and history will judge him either as hero or villain over his dual role. WC, NNPGs commenting on the actions of Nagaland’s Governor will not serve the purpose,” the statement added.