‘Nagas have always survived’

January 15, 2023 10 Views No Comment

NNPGs & NSCN (IM) declare “unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis
of our respective agreements for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights”

Dimapur, January 154 (MExN): In a significant step towards reconciliation process, the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) have declared “unconditional commitment” to collaborate for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.

(From Left to Right) NSCN Chairman Q Tuccu, NSCN Vice Chairman, Tongmeth Wangnao and NNPGs Convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi shaking hands after signing the statement.

The declaration was made on January 14 during a meeting of the NNPGs and the NSCN (IM) representatives held under the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), informed a joint statement from NNPGs Convenor N Kitovi Zhimomi and NSCN (IM) Chairman Q Tuccu.

Among others, the two leaders stated that “Nagas have always survived” in times of crises in the Naga movement, and that the ‘loud chorus of the day’ from different directions converge them to action for the shared future of the Nagas.

NSCN Chairman, Q Tuccu (left) and NNPGs Convenor, N Kitovi Zhimomi (right) signing the statement in the presence of FNR Convenor, Rev Dr Wati Aier (center).

The declaration gains significance against the backdrop of the ‘September Joint Accordant’ of September 14, 2022 during which the NSCN (IM) and NNPGs pledged to honour the “Covenant Of Reconciliation” (CoR) of June 13, 2009—signed by the late Isak Chishi Swu, late SS Khaplang and Brig (Retired) S Singnya in “letter and in spirit.”

The two Naga political groups also resolved to work together in the spirit of love and desist from all forms of armed violence and refrain from indulging in violence of words through print and social media.

Subsequent meetings, most significantly the October 17-18 meetings in Kolkata held under the FNR’s initiative, led to the formation of the ‘Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation (CNRC)’ which is led by Zhimomi and Tuccu.

Notably, in the joint statement, the two leaders underscored that the CNRC was formed “to explore, at the earliest, realistic ways for Nagas to move forwards on the basis of Naga historical and political rights.” And in affirmation of this position, the NNPGs and the NSCN declared their “unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements, with immediate effect, for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.”

They also appealed to the Naga people “to stand with us to prevent any further division of our shared belonging.”
This statement, they added, “is a political speech of the undeniable Naga soul.”

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagas-have-always-survived