Dimapur, Jan. 6 (EMN): Advocating the Congress’ policy of non-violence for resolution to the Naga political problem, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, K Therie said that the party welcomes the move of the NSCN/GPRN led by Gen. (retired) Niki Sumi to join the peace process, and that “there is room for all those who subscribe to peaceful solution”.
Therie stated through a press release that the NPCC that it stood for resolution to the Naga political issue through peaceful means.
He recalled the peace talk offered by the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru since inception of the statehood, which was followed by six rounds of talks involving Indira Gandhi and the FGN delegates. He also recounted a talk without pre-conditions offered by Rajiv Gandhi on May 19, 1991, as well as the talks offered by the then prime minister of India PV Narasimha Rao on February 22, 1996, in Dimapur.
Therie added that talks began with the NSCN (IM) in July 1997 during the tenure of Dr. SC Jamir, the then chief minister of Nagaland.
“Deliberate loose ceasefire ground rules are responsible for illegal collection and extortions that has etched a history of assassinations, shootings, kidnappings and ransom demands, bank robberies, rapes and intimidations. The brunt was upon the public and the government of the day has given full facilitation,” Therie stated.
He stated that the situation took a U-turn as people now look for protection from the Indian security forces and fear the Naga national workers.
He added that the Framework Agreement signed on August 1, 2015, with the NSCN (IM) and the Agreed Point with the NNPG have given a guiding light to the solution.
Therie also stated that he had AICC High Powered Committee of the present status on September 25, 2020, to which the latter had agreed to support.
“The issue now is pending with Manipur. Manipur Nagas should be honest to Nagaland people as brothers and sisters. Soon after the 16 Point
Agreement and statehood, it was RC Chiten Jamir who attended the public meeting at Ukhrul with the question as to whether to integrate with New Nagaland State or not,” Therie said, adding that Nagas in Manipur had rejected it.
“Secondly, when Naga leaders from Manipur became CM in Manipur, they were the ones who announced that not an inch of land will be parted. We thought with time it will be amended but even in the Framework
Agreement, the question of integration was non-issue,” he added.
Therie, therefore, stated that Manipur Nagas should resolve the differences, if any. He, however, stated that the GOI is aware of the ethnic history and values.
“By way of special provisions, ethnic values, culture and social practices should be safeguarded and allow them to self determine to protect them.
However, the Manipur problem should not be the reason of delay for Nagaland any longer.
It is division and extortion that have weakened the Northeast. It is not our loss of patience or patriotism,” Therie added.
