‘Not sovereignty or independence, probably just promotion’

Kohima’s Chang community celebrates Poanglüm  Our Correspondent KOHIMA, JANUARY 30 The perennially secretive Naga political process, and now the vaguely named ‘framework agreement’ has only deepened peculations. With nothing much for citizens to think about, there can only be deep suspicions at worst, and easy conjectures at the very best. This was the case during a recent community program in Kohima during which a local community leader referred to the ongoing political process and said the ‘accord’ might not ‘have Independence or sovereignty, but just upgrade of the state like a promotion.’ At least, the statement implied, therefore, if India is willing to ‘give promotion’ to the Naga people, then Naga ‘should not hesitate for our promotion, and after getting promotion then let us think about our sovereignty, which should be our second step not this peace accord.’ The Chang community of Kohima celebrated ‘Poanglüm’ festival with traditional fervor on Saturday at the NSF Solidarity Park in Kohima town. KT Vilie Theüno, vice president of the Angami Public Organization was the special guest of the event. The program was organized and hosted by the Chang Union of Kohima (CUK). Poanglüm, the winter festival is celebrated to signify a bountiful harvest and also marks the beginning of a new harvest year. Addressing the gathering, Theüno said festivals were not for individuals but a time for sharing and giving among the community by bringing together people from all walks of life. He also said that a festival was a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, rejoicing, sharing and get-together for remembering the good value of festival and traditional value of our tribe. Stating that the Naga were living in hard times troubled by with factional violence and divisions, political divisions and hatred among the people, Theuno emphasized on the need for better understanding among all the tribes of Nagaland for a harmonious and peaceful co-existence. Speaking in brief on the ongoing political process, Vilie Theüno maintained that when Nagaland got her statehood, it was the smallest state in India with one Member of Parliament only. However, ‘Now peace accord is going on, I feel that the accord doesn’t have Independence or sovereignty, but just upgrade of the state like a promotion,’ he said. Therefore, he asserted that when India is willing to give promotion to the Nagas, then Nagas should not hesitate for our promotion, ‘and after getting promotion then let us think about our sovereignty, which should be our second step not this peace accord,’ he explained. He also urged upon the citizens to stand united and together for development and progress of the state. It is time for the Nagas to rise up together with good thoughts and vision for a better Naga society, the Angami leader said. Assuring cooperation and support of the Angami Public Organization, the community leader said that the APO and the Chang Public Organization should ‘come closer and understand each other more, from today.’ He wished that the day’s celebrations and the concept of the Poanglum festival would bring about unity amongst the Chang and Angami communities for the betterment of our Naga people. A leader of the eastern Naga community in Kohima also spoke on behalf of the president, urging upon the Chang community living in Kohima district to be ambassadors of peace. They were wished blessings from the festival. The main ceremony to the celebrations was followed by a feast.