Dimapur, Aug. 11 (EMN): The NSCN (IM) held a meeting with the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) and its district units on August 10 at Hotel Saramati, in Dimapur.
A statement from the outfit on Saturday stated that Rh Raising, the convener of the group’s steering committee, gave a brief description of the history of the Nagas and the long struggle with the Indian government.
“The convener made it known to all that the sovereignty of the Nagas has never been compromised, and will never betray the people’s trust and aspiration. The NSCN survive the harsh attempt of the adversaries to annihilate the Naga political movement because our movement is a principle and issue based backed by the gaon buras besides the benevolent Almighty’s will.”
The ‘kilo kilonser’ (‘home minister’) of the NSCN (IM), Hukavi Yepthomi, also said that the solution to the ongoing peace talk was the only way to settling the Indo-Naga issue. “He further said that the ceasefire agreement between the NSCN and the government of India came into effect in August 1997 during the premiership of IK Gujral. In course of time, the GoI in 2002 during the premiership of AB Vajpayee recognised the unique history of the Nagas which he officially announced on India’s Independence Day speech on August 15, 2005. Therefore, any settlement of Indo-Naga conflict will be based on the political and historical rights of the Nagas.”
The “longvibu” (chief) of the group’s Naga army and political commissar to the collective leadership, ‘Lieut. Gen.’ Anthony Shimray also told the gaon bura that it was the fundamental right of the Naga people to protect and secure the land.
“He further said that Nagalim does not belong to the Nagas, but to God, and the Nagas are the caretakers of the land. In order to safeguard the God given land, both the Naga denizens and the NSCN needs a workable coordination. If God is with us and we are in Him, everything shall come to pass.”
The president of the Nagaland GB Federation, Shalem Konyak, said that the Naga leaders and followers must unite and fight for the common cause. He extended the federation’s support to the ‘framework agreement’ that was signed on August 3 2015. The president said further that they will come to the aid of the ‘revolutionaries even if the road is less travelled or difficult to cross,’ according to the statement.
The federation’s general secreary, Shikuto Zalipu thanked the NSCN (IM) on behalf of the NGBF for “rendering their invaluable service and sacrifices made thus far for the Naga nation and endorsed the NSCN to wage the political war while they look after the domestic affairs. At any time and place, they are ready to respond to the call of the nation, he assured.”
