Naga civil societies pitch for true union

NSCN (IM) observes Naga Republic Day

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 22

The commemoration of the 44th Naga Republic Day on March 21, at the NSCN (IM) Council Headquarters, Hebron, evoked memories of the 43th Republic Day celebrated in 2022. A pitch for upholding Naga unity, amidst a prevailing perception of discord in the Naga political as well as social fabric, was a common strain audible in the messages from frontline Naga civil organisations at the celebration, which was addressed by the NSCN (IM) President, Q Tuccu. Ato Kilonser Th Muivah and Vice President Tongmeth Wangnao were also in attendance. 

Tuccu, in his address, questioned the commitment of the Government of India (GoI) to the Framework Agreement (FA) signed between the two entities on August 3, 2015. According to him, it took 13 years of “grueling negotiations” for the FA to take shape, an accord which recognised and protected “Our (Naga) political identity as a sovereign people.” 

However, he held the GoI responsible for starting to “fiddle with what has been agreed upon.” “Today, the fate of the Framework Agreement hangs in the balance as the commitment of the Government of India fluctuates,” he said, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the FA back in 2015. Despite, he said that the NSCN (IM) leadership has “carried the talks forward with total commitment and conviction, because no sacrifice is too great when it comes to defending the historical and political rights of the Nagas.” 

As many as 13 Naga civil society organisations, including the Naga Mothers’ Association and Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Front, were slated to address the gathering. The two organisations could not make it, however. Naga Hoho, Global Naga Forum (GNF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Students’ Union Shillong, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO), United Naga Council (UNC), Rengma Naga People’s Council (RNPC), Assam and Zeme Council Assam (ZCA), Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Myanmar were the organisations which had representatives in attendance.

Besides the call for resolving the Indo-Naga issue expeditiously, identifying as one Naga people and looking out for one another, irrespective of political boundaries, prominently featured in the messages from the organisations.  

As stated by the UNC, a “piecemeal” solution should not be the result of the decades of struggle and the sacrifice of thousands of Naga lives. While endeavouring towards a logical conclusion to the imbroglio, the UNC reminded of the necessity to “set our house in order” and standing firm. 

The ENPO maintained that it was time for all the Naga civil society organisations to put into practice the term— unity.

While stating that the Eastern Nagas have been with the Naga cause since the very beginning, it called for putting a stop to “playing politics” within and coming together as one. 

The NSF referred to a “divide” in the Naga society as a cause of serious concern. It said that the perceived divide was not only palpable in or among the civil society but also within the Naga Political Groups. Reference was also made to what it said was disallowing organisations to function. In this regard, it called for Naga political leaders introspecting whether their such alleged actions are in the interest of the people.  

The Naga Hoho reminded that there will be no end to the longstanding Indo-Naga political issue if the Naga stakeholders go against one another. It called upon all Nagas, including the Naga national workers, civil society organisations and students’ bodies, to guard against discord within the broader Naga family. Once fissure occurs in the social fabric, he said that it would be difficult to restore.

The RNPC maintained that the Nagas have a come a long way for the right for self-determination and will continue to strive on. While stating that the issue has been complex, the Naga leaders have nevertheless been determined and prevailed long enough to sign the FA in 2015. According to it, the Nagas living in different parts of the world are eagerly waiting to for a final accord. 

The NPO (Myanmar) called for supporting the Nagas of Myanmar, who are struggling under a military regime. According to the NPO, the Nagas of Myanmar have always been supportive of the Naga cause and called for greater respect and inclusivity. It also pointed out the internal discord among the Nagas on the Indian side of the border.  

The President of the Naga Students’ Union Shillong maintained that achieving the Naga aspiration demands sacrificing comfort and understanding each other. 

The GNF said that the Nagas are at a juncture where they must fully realise that their destiny is a common want. While appreciating the NSCN(IM) and the NNPGs agreeing to form the Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation, it said that it takes statesmanship, wisdom and humility to listen to others. According to it, the Naga patriots have chosen different paths but it must lead to one common goal.