Eastern Nagaland Women Org holds rally for Frontier Nagaland

Morung Express News
Tuensang | October 26

The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) organised a public rally for Frontier Nagaland Statehood demand at Parade Ground in Tuensang on October 25, with an official terming it as a public movement from the grassroot level.

The rally saw participation of women from all the districts of the Eastern Nagaland, officials of ENPO, ENSF, CWS, CSUTT, GBs and DBs and people from all walks of life.

Speaking on the occasion, President ENWO, A Shamthai Phom stated that the decision the organisation on October 13 resolved to support the decisions of the ENPO’s (Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation) against non-participation in the election on August 26 and also to hold the rally. 

“Our demand for Frontier Nagaland state is a public movement and from the grassroot level,” she added.

Shamthai further noted that while October 25 rally was a democratic and a symbolic preliminary expression of resentment, if  the Government of India (GoI) does not respond, the next step of agitation will be taken. 

Apila, President, Akehda Sangtamlarü Thsingmüjang also noted that women are actively involved in the Statehood demand and the ENWO has taken the right decision. 

She also called on ENPO, ENSF and ENWO to stand together in “this fight” and the women of Eastern Nagaland is also duty-bound fully “understand the history behind our demand” as well as educate the children on the issue. 

Denial of the constitutional rights which is enshrined in the Constitution of India has resulted in current demand, stated Y Akala, President, Changsao Thangjam Setshang.

She further pointed out to the people gathered that the demand did “not start in a bloodshed” but with prayer from the Executive Secretaries of the then six tribes of Eastern Nagaland and called for standing “firm and hope in God to deliver us.”

“There are so many facts to support the claim of the step motherly treatment given to us,” Newkhai, President Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam noted, while listing out “findings” showing how  the ENPO area was deprived in “developmental, education sectors, employment and many others.”

“There’s no equality and which is why we are demanding a separate state. The GoI and the rest of the Nagas must understand our cries of the demand,” she added.  

Exhorting the gathering, Ponglem, President, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong claimed that while the ENPO areas “called to be part of the present Nagaland during its formation and to have equal share,” it was not given. 

Accordingly, she reasoned: “We are not against the state government or the rest of the Nagas but we are demanding for what is ours.”

M Mano, President, Phomla Hoichem also called upon the leaders to be very cautious and not to fall in to the traps and temptations.

The Naga solution is a collective demand, however, Frontier Nagaland demand is separate, she asserted, expressing hope that there will be ‘liberation’ with unity. 

Resangla Susana, President, Yimkhiung Women Organisation also called for standing ‘united for our rights and extending full support the leaders till the demand is fulfilled.

“The demand is genuine due to deprivation in various areas towards the Eastern Naga people…Please give us our rights, provide what we need and what others are getting and enjoying,” stated Y Tushila Caroline, President, Tikhir Women Association.

Also addressing the rally, ENSF General Secretary, Khumo P asserted that its stand is “clear” and it would not shy from the Statehood demand.

“Our demand for Frontier Nagaland is not about leaving the Naga identity but for a different kitchen to suffice our stomach, to suffice our needs and to maintain our identity,” he added, urging  the fellow Nagas not to take it “otherwise.”

“If we get the statehood we will remain with the same identity,” he added. 

Khumo also maintained that not a single department fulfills the 25% reservation in government sector employment put in place in 1978 for Eastern Nagaland.  

“Our demand is historically approved, NEFA history is clear, geographically it is acceptable because we live within the ambit of the Indian territory. Politically it is visible, we have 20 elected members… Administratively, it is applicable because Eastern Nagas have international borders and unlike other, we don’t create situations, we can administer ourself,” he asserted. 

To this end, he requested the GoI to hear the genuine cry and appeal of the Eastern Nagas for separate Statehood. 

Asangla Cholong, Advisor ENWO and State demand signatory stated that the demand should not be out of self-interest but with the feeling of oneness and togetherness.

“We may be considered backward but we are doing this with great hope that we will progress together and this movement should keep on going until our demand is heard.”

Shillem Khiamniungan, Secretary, ENPO also gave the update on ENPO’s Statehood demand.

Chairing the programme, Yingphe Konyak, Assistant General Secretary, ENWO challenged the gathering to be steadfast and be prepared for anything. All the people of Eastern Nagaland irrespective of age should be sentimental towards this cause, she said, adding that the Eastern Nagas have suffered for a long time and want a better legacy for future.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/eastern-nagaland-women-org-holds-rally-for-frontier-nagaland