DIMAPUR — Member of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) VS Atem, has affirmed to stand for truth to lead the Nagas in their struggle for political solution.
He stated this during a consultative meeting of parliamentarians of Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma and Pochury regions held on August 23 at Hotel Vivor in Kohima.
Atem, who was one of the main resource persons, mentioned the name of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Abdulla, who went to jail as many as 13 and 7 times respectively because of their belief that defending the truth is not only a sense of duty but is a reward in itself, an update from MIP stated.
He quoted Mahatma Gandhi who once said, “Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance, it shines clear.”
Atem also took pride about Naga historical figure Haipou Jadonang, who dared to raise his voice against the British ruler telling the Nagas not to pay tax and cooperate with the British government, thereby putting his own life at risk in defense of truth for his land and identity.
He said that Nagas are not far behind in political consciousness as compared to the Indians. To substantiate his statement, he cited an instance when Mahatma Gandhi launched the ‘Quit India’ movement on August 8, 1942, following the All India Congress Committee session in Mumbai, while the Nagas have strongly resisted the British party when they first set their foot in Naga territory in 1882. He also mentioned about the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission by the Naga Club in 1929 to leave the Nagas alone in order to protect their identity as defined by land.
He reminded the historical truth when Nagas refused to join India by signing the instrument of Accession like the rest of the princely states of Northeast and India. He added that NSCN was given UNPO membership on January 23, 1993, on the basis of historical truth.
While referring to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who disdainfully uttered to finish the Nagas in a matter of few days, Atem said, “But the factual truth remains after more than seventy years. God is the truth and He has been with the Nagas in every decision.”
In his keynote address, the kilo kilonser, Maj. (Retd.) Kewe Mero, informed that the purpose of organising such consultative meeting was to bring better understanding in order to strengthen unity and cooperation while keeping the focus on the Naga political issue.
Maj. Mero appealed to the members of Angami and Chakhesang to live up to the spirit of its guiding slogan “Nagaland for Christ” as one people and to reflect the “unique history of the Nagas’ through their commitment and unity.
Kihoi Swu, Kilonser, also share his concern that India might play with the constitution of India to exploit the huge mineral resources in Naga areas. He also touched on the truth of Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, saying that notwithstanding political shortsightedness of some group/people, there is no alternative to Framework Agreement.
On the issue of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), it stated that Atem and Brig. (Retd.) Akho Naga, president of Tenyemi National Workers Forum, minced no words in stating that it is not in keeping with the socio-political interest of the Nagas and not going to be allowed.
Education kilonser, Jongpong, and member of collective leadership, Zarsie Nguthe, also spoke in the meeting.
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