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KOHIMA — Calls for unity, transparency, and a potential referendum were made as the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly confronted the long-standing Naga political issue during the 5th Session on Thursday.
MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu of the Naga People's Front (NPF) initiated the discourse, advocating for a unified approach to negotiations and pointing out past talks have “miserably failed” due to the exclusion of either the “overground or underground” entities.
“I would like to suggest that both parties take part in the talks, and so therefore, legislators should not only play the role of facilitator but should be a part of the negotiating group as well,” he said.
Stating that the concept of a collective Naga identity is a relatively modern development, shaped by a combination of historical events and external influences, Nienu said that Naga history’s uniqueness is characterised by the strong desire for independence and autonomy.
He urged for a cohesive Naga front, recalling the complex historical struggle for independence and autonomy, referencing the 1929 Naga Club memorandum, the 1951 plebiscite, the declaration of Naga independence in 1947, and the formations of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN).
While acknowledging the significance of ceasefire agreements like the 1997 agreement with the NSCN (IM) and subsequent dialogues leading to the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2017 Agreed Position with the Working Committee of the Naga national Political groups (WC-NNPGs), he expressed concern over the lack of concrete results.
He rued that the current fragmentation within the Naga political landscape, with over two dozen factions vying for recognition, was “not a point of pride but a matter of deep concern”, and called for a return to the unity exemplified by the undivided NNC.
Let Naga public decide
Taking a similar stance, MLA Nuklutoshi emphasised the Naga people's enduring desire for self-determination.
He said that the WC-NNPGs had brought the Agreed Position out in the public domain and criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the Framework Agreement, demanding that its contents be made public.
The legislator was of the view that the public should stop pointing at the Government of India as it had made clear its position on what is possible or impossible.
“The need of the hour for Naga people is another referendum like the 1951 Plebiscite”, with the contents of the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position made available, so that the Naga people can choose between a negotiated settlement or continued pursuit of sovereignty.
He urged the government to facilitate this process by providing a platform and resources for all sections of Naga society to participate.
Among others, minister G Kaito Aye urged reconciliation among Naga political groups and emphasised upholding ceasefire ground rules while MLA Achumbemo Kikon cautioned against the Assembly overstepping its constitutional role as facilitators.
MLA Y. Limaonen Chang expressed concern over the proliferation of Naga political groups and appealed to all the groups to do away with the fragmentation and individual interests, and instead, come together to sit across the table and bring about a solution.
MLA Jwenga Seb of the Janata Dal (United) highlighted his party's historical support for the Naga cause, referencing the peace efforts of Jaya Prakash Narayan in bringing about a ceasefire in 1964 and the establishment of the Naga Peace Centre in 1971.
He went on to state that the party’s commitment to the Naga issue was evident during JDU leader Nitish Kumar's visit to Dimapur on Oct. 11, 2022, to celebrate Narayan's 120th birth anniversary.
Seb maintained that the JDU is the only political party from mainland India whose top leadership has physically acknowledged the Naga political struggle by visiting the grave of Angami Zapu Phizo in 2022.
He further expressed optimism that unity, dialogue, and understanding could lead to a solution honouring the aspirations and rights of the Naga people.
The session saw active participation from other legislators, including Advisor Imkong L Imchen, MLA Dr. Sukhato Sema, MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero, Advisor Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, MLA Naiba Konyak, and MLA Nyamnyei Konyak.