NSCN (IM) leader hints settlement of Naga issue soon

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 14

NSCN (IM) vice president, General (Retd) Kholi hinted today that the Naga political issue will be settled “at any moment from now”. He said that the Naga people “are now blessed with the finest opportune time to see the glory of God”.

At the same time the NSCN (IM) leader however said, “Let us remind ourselves that, nothing is certain until it is achieved. Therefore, all the sons and daughters of Naga motherland, both the national workers and the public, should make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving a lasting solution to our political problem with India.”

This speech of the vice president was read out by the outfit’s home minister Hukavi Yepthomi during the Nagas’ Independence Day observation at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today.

The 71st Naga Independence Day was observed across ‘Naga areas’ in the States of Nagaland and Manipur today. The main programme was held at the outfit’s headquarters Hebron which witnessed the participation of civil bodies and the cadres/officials of the NSCN (IM).

General Kholi on the other hand asked the Nagas to “be prepared with all the requisite skill and resources to build our nation”.  He said that the solution to “our problem will not be the end in itself; rather it will be just a new beginning for Nagas to build our nation”. He further said that it will depend greatly on “our concerted efforts how our nation” should progress and prosper. 

Meanwhile, UNC president, Gaidon Kamei while delivering a speech said that as long as the Nagas remained united the Naga society will remain intact, “our history will remain intact.” Gaidon Kamei also said that Nagas have come thus far suffering and being harassed for the past 70 years. “We have overcome this ordeal,” he stated. He added that the UNC will “support the NSCN till the end.”

Rh Raising, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s highest decision making body ‘Steering Committee’ in his speech said that 70 years ago, the Naga people declared their independence day on August 14, 1947, but “sadly the government of India did not recognise it”. Rh Raising, however, said that the “Framework Agreement will be the beginning of a new relationship between India and the Nagas.”

Naga Hoho leader HK Zhomomi speaking on behalf of the organisation said that there was some misconception on the Naga peace talks. “Actually, the ongoing Naga peace talks is for all the Nagas, and you will know this when you meet the government of India,” said the Naga Hoho leader.

A leader of the Naga People’s for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the organisation, while quoting John F Kennedy, urged the Naga people “at this crucial stage” to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

A leader of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body “would like to convey a message loud and clear to the world that the Naga younger generation will never give up the spirit of true nationalism and our fight for self-determination will continue till we achieve it fully. We know that the road is not easy but we shall never give up”.

A leader of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) said that the Nagas are thirsty for peace, and we are hopeful that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will usher in the lasting peace.

Leaders of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum while participating in the programme today said that they support the ‘Framework Agreement’.