Dimapur, Aug. 17 (EMN): Continuing their charge at a statement made by the chief minister during the recent JLF meeting, the Naga Hoho and the Naga Mothers’ Association have claimed that the clarification by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) was also based on ‘hearsay.’
Earlier, the NDPP had stated that the two apex organisations’ allegations were based on hearsay; and the chief minister’s statement taken without the context in which he said it.
“We appreciate the initiative of the political party in admitting the unpalatable statement made by the leader of the state in the joint legislators’ meeting. However, perusing the contents, it is obvious that the NDPP has tried to clarify on the allegations made by the chief minister based on hearsay. The JLF meeting was not a confidential one, as there were many others, including a non-Naga, in the said meeting, and therefore, there has been no breach of trust,” read a joint statement from the Naga Hoho and the NMA on Saturday.
They stated that the non-Naga junior advocate was given the responsibility to speak on Article 370 and Article 371 (A) for a long time. According to them, this raises questions on the lack of trust by the state government on the professional knowledge of eminent Naga advocates and judges, who would have been equally competent to speak on the same Constitutional provisions before the elected Naga legislators.
“The objection by the Naga Hoho and the NMA was not only on the allegation of being unmandated, but also the chief minister claiming that the NPGs had lost confidence on these organisations, which is defamatory and false. Hence, the claim that the CM was expressing his concern to strengthen these organisations in larger interest is based on wrong hearsay (sic), because that was not what was conveyed to the audience in the said JLF meeting,” the statement read.
The Naga Hoho, it stated, was constituted as the apex body consisting of all Naga tribes working for unity and fraternity among the Nagas; “and despite efforts to destroy it, maintains its responsibilities and will continue to do so, till the next team takes over.”
On the other hand, the NMA’s formation in 1984 was not based on tribe constituents but on voluntary membership of adult Naga women from different tribes and background, according to the press release.
“The NMA continues working with tribe women organisations affiliated to it and other women from different tribes, in protection of women’s rights, peace work and running the NMA Cradle Ridge Centre, Seithogei which is the only centre in the state, looking after HIV positive orphaned children of both sexes, for decades.
“We remain committed to building peace and working for the larger interest of the Naga people. The years of commitment and contributions of the Naga Hoho and the NMA is on record, and cannot be wiped away by vested interests or the state on vague reasons or defamatory allegations. The days ahead will reveal the true intentions of a state that professes peace and unity, but seeks its own glory,” it stated.
