Janata Dal (United) advocates permanent peace in Nagaland

Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 1

The ‘High Power delegation’ of Janata Dal United JD (U), currently on a visit to Nagaland to pay tribute to Jaya Prakash Narayan and to assess the situation of peace process, has called for a permanent peace in the State on June 30.

Addressing a press conference here today at Hotel Japfü, JD (U) National President, Rajiv Ranjan Lalan Singh informed that their visit to Nagaland is also to assess the situation in Nagaland for the long pending demand of peace process.

“We want a permanent peace, a long lasting solution of this issue,” he said, adding that this issue has to be addressed.

Stating that 2018 election slogan for “Election for solution,” in Nagaland is yet to be emerged a reality, he accused that the State Government of not handling the issue properly.

The solution has not come yet and the people of the State have been betrayed by those they voted to power, Ranjan maintained, adding that the role of the State government has to act for peace.

If we want solution, we have to consult all the stakeholders, all the groups, accommodate and address their concerns, he said. “Unless it is done in proper way it cannot be possible.”

He informed that their visit is only to assess the situation and analyst and after that they will raise the issue “so that final, permanent, long lasting peace is restored in Nagaland.”

Asked about JD (U)’s views on the demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, the Party National President said: “Every stakeholder and group should be consulted before the final agreement.”

He urged the people of the State to be united and play a major role in building the nation, which is the largest democracy in the world and iterated that armed confrontation will not bring about any solution to the Naga issue.

Also addressing the meeting, NSN Lotha, Convenor North East Executive Council of the JD (U) and President Nagaland State unit, said that during their meeting with different civil society organisations, the party has requested the delegation to put pressure on the Government of India to be committed to resolve Naga political issue.

The delegation to Nagaland included JD(U) national president Ranjan Lalan Singh; national general secretaries Afaque Ahmad Khan, who is also the JD(U) In-charge for the North-East states, and Harshvardhan Singh; two Lok Sabha members- Kaushalendra Kumar (MP from Nalanda) and Ramprit Mandal (MP from Jhanjharpur); and party’s Rajya Sabha member-elect Aneel Prasad Hegde.

For JP’s Peace Mission Memorial Park, Museum
The delegation also paid its tribute to Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who played an important role in 1964 Nagaland Peace Mission.

They also paid a visit to memorial park of Angami Zapu Phizo in Kohima.

Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) recalled that recalled that Jayaprakash Narayan played an important role in the 1964 Nagaland Peace Mission and had travelled the nook and corner of Nagaland to understand firsthand the aspirations of local people.

His legacy in the history of Nagas is remarkable and historic, it noted, adding that the Party acknowledged the views of Jayaprakash for a ‘permanent solution to the Naga problem.’

Accordingly, the JD (U) demanded that, as a tribute to JP, a JP Peace Mission Memorial Park and Museum be constructed at Kohima.

The JDU, under the supreme leadership of Nitish Kumar, believes in restoring the sense of dignity, pride and respect to Naga people, the party asserted.

“Our party while acknowledging the fact that GoI has accepted the Naga issue as unique and political in nature, once again reiterates its solidarity with the Naga people vis-a-vis recognition of Naga history, dignity and culture by the Govt of India which has been the core issue of the Nagas during the 104 year struggle of the Nagas,” stated Afaque, general secretary and the party’s in-charge of North East.

Opposition-less govt has not ‘done justice’
The JD (U) urged the Naga people to be united and play a major role in the building of this greatest democracy of the world as a major stakeholder.

Stating that India needs the Nagas as much as the Nagas need India , JDU also called urged upon the negotiating parties to work with absolute sincerity “so that there will be no further delay to strike an honourable solution which shall safeguard the interests of Nagas and India.”

“Our party is of the firm view that armed confrontation will not bring any solution,” it added.

While understanding and appreciating the appreciate formation of on Opposition-less govt to work for an early solution to the Indo-Naga problem, the party noted that it has not “done justice.”

“Except for meeting some few top brass of the Government in power, they have failed to meet the other prominent political parties and legendary political figures and stalwarts of the country who can play pivotal role in the solution process of the Nagas,” it stated.

It further reminded the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (CCNPI) of present NDPP-led UDA Government that it must understand that the “solution has to go through the parliament and it needs the support of, if not all, at least the main prominent political parties.”

It is unfortunate that the CCNPI is not well-guided in understanding the political complexities of the nation vis-à-vis to an issue as vexed as the Naga Political problem, it stated and urged the Opposition-less Govt to be more sincere and visionary in their approach and not to take the Naga Issue for their selfish pitiful gains.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/janata-dal-united-advocates-permanent-peace-in-nagaland