Naga Hoho preaches unity among Nagas in Arunachal

Dimapur, Aug. 12 (EMN): The Naga Hoho has appealed to the Naga populace residing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap, Changland, and Longding (TCL) area to support the Arunachal Naga Students’ Federation (ANSF) and the TCL People’s forum as – according to the Naga Hoho – “they are fostering for a brighter future.” In a statement that was issued on Sunday, the Naga Hoho stated: “As laid down in the constitution, the Naga Hoho was formed as the apex body of socio-political organisation. It is committed to devotedly function to bring all Nagas under the same roof with the spirit of oneness and to integrate all Naga homeland. Keeping this in mind, we are upset to see the present political scenario currently encountered by the Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh created by different Indian agencies. “Recently, the Arunachal Naga Students’ Federation organised a programme for public consultation with the consent of the joint secretary of Home Ministry, govt. of India in order to elucidate the flaming issue of Indo-Naga peace talk vis-à-vis the recognition of unique identity of the Nagas. The programme was arranged for the Naga people in Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) which could have benefited immensely and would have given a detailed idea on the inclusion of TCL areas in the ongoing peace talk. Unfortunately, on 9th August, the meeting at Deomali could not be held owing to warning letter served to the ANSF leaders by Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) and various agencies that have been working against the interest of the Nagas to sabotage such programme.” It expressed regret that the ‘keen initiatives and efforts of ANSF for the well-being of TCL areas have been discouraged and subdued many a times.’ However, according to the organisation, the government of India could be entirely blamed “as many of our own people are found to be working for petty personal interest leaving aside the Naga national interest.” It stated that time has come for Nagas to take a stand and decide the best option, forgoing selfish interests, ambition and opportunity. “Under the circumstances, we fervently appeal to the Naga people in TCL areas to lend fullest support to ANSF and the TCL people’s forum as they are fostering for a brighter future. “Simultaneously, the Naga political groups who are working in Arunachal Pradesh may have to strategise with renewed vision towards bringing the people together and to make them understand the essence of our inherent political rights for self determination. Political groups or cadres should not be an obstacles or terror for our own brothers and sisters, rather we must learn to live and work together on the basis of give and take in the interest of Naga people as a whole,” the statement read.