Nagaland: Legislators voice in unison for early Naga political solution

Our Correspondent

Kohima, March 22 (EMN): Legislators on Tuesday voiced in unison for an early Naga political solution ‘by addressing the issues within’ while participating in the discussion about the Naga political issue at the ongoing 11th session of the 13th NLA.

In his address, Advisor for Technical Education and Elections, Medo Yhokha on Tuesday vouched for the need to ‘walk the talk’ for a brighter future.

He pointed out that it is a genuine movement which started in the ‘right earnestness with the unwavering, unflinching and undivided solidarity’ and support of the entire Nagas then, but it has unfortunately over the years, turned out to be ‘manipulated and digressed with myopic and narrow vested interpretation and manifestation’.

Pointing out the likely manifestation of the situation that might come about over the prolonged stalemate on the issue and the agreement that has been inked over, Yhokha also expressed concern that the issue should not linger and persist on any longer.

 “I as a youth today I don’t want to see my elders go through another situation and I literally do not want to bequeath a social system with the like of today’s milieu to my next generation and to posterity coming after me”, he said.

“As far as the content of the Agreement that had being signed by the negotiating parties, as shared, though vaguely – and without much definitive terms..,  safeguards and further facilitates our ultimate aspiration, Nagas should not afford to miss out the opportunity in lieu of unwarranted misgivings within ourselves”, stated the legislator.

 “Tribals or factional dominance and diktaks to manipulate or sabotage the proposed settlement absolutely have no room and space as long the contents of the agreement opens wider scopes and vistas for a better and brighter future for the Nagas”, said Yhokha.

He viewed that ‘situation is not with Delhi, which is obstructing to settle, but the issue inevitably seems to be in the court and within ourselves’ (Nagas), while he also added that resolutions were taken and endorsed on several platforms and levels for early solution with the last being March 9.

“To make our proclamations more affirmative, forceful and tangible, and to let the Nagas and the world know who is in favor and against the present agreement, against peace and advancement, if and when the Nagas way back in 1951 can go for a plebiscite / referendum on our political assertion, won’t it be prudent and appropriate for all the Nagas living today make a similar exercise on the agreement matter; which is otherwise unfortunately getting stalled owing to diverse narratives,” viewed Yhokha.

He also said MLAs can contribute to actively facilitate the Naga peace process, which he added should go beyond the four walls and the need to have active and genuine participation of all Nagas together.

Stop the blame game — Kikon

Meanwhile Advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon in his address urged the people and political parties to stop the blame game, while he also reiterated that ‘sloganeering’ is not going to solve the problem

He maintained that the parliamentary core committee is distinctive from the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) of the past and is just a facilitator and is positively and constructively pursuing the matter with sincerity, adding that Naga people are yearning for early political solution for so long, especially the youths with big dreams and expectations to progress.

He also appealed to the legislators in their own levels to address the deficiency of justice in the institutions and the systems.

Peace should come together to prosper — Zhaleo Rio

Advisor Zhaleo Rio pointed out that peace should come to the Nagas to prosper with the rest of the world.

He stated that much has been discussed, debated and consulted with various Naga public organisations and all stakeholders.

He also insisted that the NPGs come forward in a common platform, pointing out that the 60 MLAs represent the voice of the people.

Reacting to the NPGs statement to the legislators that they are not part of the negotiating parties, Rio also made an appeal and corrected them that as much as being Naga and being elected members of the house, they have every inherent right to speak and also show the way for the peaceful settlement.

 “If they are actually working for the Nagas and for our future, then what is stopping them from coming together?”

“Are they really working for the Nagas and our future, are they really pursuing our legitimate rights?”, he questioned.

 “Within the different factions or within the different functionaries do they have any agenda or their personal vested interest or for a small group of people within the faction?” and in this regard he urged the NPGs to listen to the voice of the people and also appreciate legislators as facilitators to the Naga political solution.

Rio also stated that each legislator as mandated by the people should not shy away from their responsibilities but speak to their respective communities and all Naga tribes and also push for a settlement.

Naga society has ‘justice deficiency’— Yitachu

Meanwhile, MLA Yitachu stated that the Naga society has a ‘justice deficiency’ which is the ‘root cause of so many fragmentations, groupism and other issues’.

He stressed on the need for urgency to restore justice so that every section of the society and every Naga do things in a justified manner.

He also expounded on the role of the legislators as facilitators to the Naga political issue while pointing out that the Naga peace process cannot be prolonged for so long, despite the negotiating parties saying that talks have been concluded.

He also stated that policy of appeasement should stop, while he viewed that all the legislators coming together should be taken as an opportunity to convince the Government of India to take up the issue seriously and come to an amicable settlement at the earliest.

Advisor H Chuba Chang and MLA EE Panteang also participated in the discussion and expressed the desire of the people for an early solution.