Political settlement not limited to Nagaland alone: Kitovi

August 15, 2019 95 Views No Comment

‘Today we have two choices before us’

N Kitovi Zhimomi

Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN
Convener, Working Committee

Address during 73rd Naga I-Day on Aug 14, 2019

I give Glory and Honour to the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. The Creator of Heaven and Earth. In Him alone can we achieve great things for Nagas.

Brothers and sisters of Naga Homeland, wherever nook and corner we may be. I speak to you not just as Ato Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN but also as a Convener of WC, 7 NNPGs, engaged with GOI for honorable and acceptable settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem. We are closer than ever towards our goal. More importantly, I speak as a Naga and therefore will not hesitate to inform our people what to expect in the days ahead.

Today we have two choices before us. Firstly, shall we choose a political settlement that is well protected against future parliament or constitutional intrusion by GOI, that which guarantees absolute power and authority over our competencies, forseeing a dignified and prosperous future for our younger generations, making no compromise whatsoever with respect to our identity, culture, history and political right?

In this I include Naga Lands, Naga sons and daughters in the present states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The solution at hand is not just for Nagas of Nagaland state alone. There will be clear and lucid political arrangements and governance for our people beyond the artificial boundary. By this I put to rest all baseless rumours of WC, NNPGs limiting itself to Nagas of Nagaland state.

In the final days of negotiations between GOI and Nagas, having extensively dwelled on all contentious issues and having agreed in principle on all major issues, there may remain elements who would brazenly attempt to belittle, instigate, initiate blame game, hatch deceitful policies to thwart the common aspiration. Our people may encounter a wave of disgruntled men who behaved and dreamt that the seven decade old Indo-Naga political struggle and its settlement would become a business empire, a corporate house, a private firm run by few, in the garb of a national movement and National principle. May I ask our people, will there still be ears for such fanciful narratives? God Almighty knows the hearts of all leaders and followers. We must humble ourselves and seek God’s wisdom lest misfortunes befall Nagas once again.

It is time to prepare ourselves and embrace a political settlement where all Nagas can participate and redefine our destiny afresh as a people. We must prepare our generations to face greater challenges in the future. We believe we are on a path to unveiling a future where our identity, history and political right- the very ideals our forefathers defended with their lives, will be reaffirmed, entrenched and institutionalised. The political negotiations between GOI and WC, NNPGs carries the essence and spirit of May 16, 1951 Naga plebiscite. We have great faith in our future. Thus there is no major issues left between WC and GOI and therefore could arrive at a solution at any given day.

I appreciate fellow comrades and leadership of NNC/FGN; NNC(Parent Body); NNC/GDRN; NNC/NPGN; GPRN/NSCN(R); NSCN(K), the Co-conveners and members of Working Committee, for exhibiting utmost maturity and wisdom on the negotiating table and off it. The unity that we exhibit today will contribute to the greatness of Naga nation tomorrow.

I extend my revolutionary salute to Naga civil societies, the custodians of Naga villages, All tribal Hohos, mothers, students, Churches across borders and denominations, prayer houses, International observers, media houses local, national and international, Naga well wishers across the globe. Your solidarity and active participation in the Indo-Naga political process is deeply valued.

I take this moment to acknowledge the sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots in the last seven decades, both living and the departed. The bones of countless Naga freedom fighters are scattered across foreign lands in unknown places. We shall build our nation upon their sweat and blood.

WC, NNPGs, as a messenger between Nagas and GOI, shall continue to solicit Nation building ideas from all section of Nagas. May the Almighty God continue to guide us.

God bless Nagaland!

In : FILES