Neokpao for differentiating between periodic election and political solution

February 1, 2023 27 Views No Comment

Dimapur, Feb 1 (MExN): GPRN/NSCN Chairman Neokpao Konyak has said that the political leadership of India has failed to perform its political task on the Naga issue and instead, diverted its attention to electioneering and party politics to conduct elections in Nagaland.

In a message read out during the 44th NSCN Raising Day at Council Headquarters, Naga Unification Camp, Khehoyi, on January 31, Konyak expressed hope that the Naga people “will be able to differentiate between a democratic activity called periodic election and a negotiated political solution between two entities to end the political conflict.”

The message which was read out by Kideon V Zhimomi, Chief Secretary, also stated that Nagas preparing to contest in the Indian election representing different political parties “have to understand the severity of the Naga situation.”

The‘democratic exercise’ every five years has blurred the Naga vision and the hunger for five year power is threatening to destroy the future of Naga generations, Konyak noted.

Expressing gratitude to the Naga tribes, churches, village headmen and all concerned civil societies for the unwavering co-operation in the search for ‘honourable and acceptable’ political solution to the Indo-Naga conflict, Konyak said that the day was ‘historic’ in the life of the Naga people.

Recalling what he termed as an ‘upheaval’ in the political journey of the Nagas, he said that the 1975 Shillong Accord shook the pillars of Naga nationhood amid ‘communication gap and ideological differences among the leadership of the day.’ Reconciliation was impossible because hatred and mistrust had overtaken the sense of belonging and oneness among the Naga leaders, he shared.

According to Konyak, on January 31, 1980 “a fresh initiative was undertaken with the formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)” and Naga rights and pride were restored. However, “on the other side, disastrous division among the Nagas and consequent factional killings have left thousands of widows and orphans. This day restored the Naga rights but this did not stop the mistrust within. The Government of India (GoI) has taken maximum advantage and continues to exert and expand neo-colonialism in Naga homeland.”

At present, Konyak stated that the Naga people can proudly assert that there is a clear political stance in the Agreed Position signed between the Working Committee (WC) and Government of India on November 17, 2017, which says that the latter recognises ‘historical and political right of the Nagas to self determine their future in consonant with their distinct history and identity.’

“This clear political statement and understanding set the tone for a political negotiation between the Working Committee of NNPGs and GoI interlocutor.”

He said that it was ‘unfair’ that India is conducting elections in Nagaland and maintained that Nagas are patient practitioners of ancient democratic values, and abstaining from ‘democratic exercise too is a democratic right since the Indian leadership failed to perform its political task on the Naga issue.”

“The international community will question lack of moral responsibility on the part of GoI. I believe GoI attention on Naga issue, or lack of it, will measure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stature in the coming days.”

Meanwhile,according to a press release from the MIP, ZhekiyeYeptho, Convener NPAC graced the occasion as guest speaker. Briefing on the formation of NSCN, he urged the Naga people especially the young generation irrespective of one’s political inclination to once again retrospect the history of Naga national movement, nurture the proposition of past patriotic leaders and diligently introspect to cultivate what is best for the Naga people.

An obituary moment in honour of the martyrs was also observed, the release stated.