Path to Naga unification necessitates convergence of ideology: Starson

August 15, 2023 19 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 15

Convergence of ideology holds the key to Naga unification, stated Starson Lamkang, the Ato Kilonser of the NSCN-K (Niki Group). He made the statement while commemorating the 77th Naga Independence Day on August 14 at the organisation’s CFSB office in Padum Pukhuri, Dimapur.

He said that 77 years have passed and several “agreements” signed since the declaration of a one Naga nation on August 14, 1947 but the Nagas find themselves splintered into groups today. He said that the fragmentation and the proliferation of different groups has been the outcome of the Naga political movement transforming into a platform for financial gains, while placing undue strain on the public, who have supported the Naga cause since 1947. Amidst this, he held that forces hostile to the Naga cause are propagating divisive ideologies.

“This is a matter that warrants serious contemplation by everyone. Naga intellectuals should deeply reflect upon it,” he said, while adding that the path toward Naga unification necessitates the convergence of all political groups and hohos/civil organisations under a shared ideological framework.

It also demands a robust pan-Naga hoho and to realise this, he maintained that the Naga Hoho should be reformed and strengthened.

According to him, the core belief of the NSCN-K (Niki Group) remains “One Naga one people one nation” as expressed by the Naga Plebiscite in 1951. “We have taken this stand before, we still do and we shall continue to stand by it,” he said, while adding that achieving unification across existing political boundaries is essential.

Remarking on the ongoing political talks, he questioned the commitment of the entities involved. On the NSCN-K (Niki Group)’s role in the present state of things, he said that the organisation has maintained a distinct identity as a Naga Political Group. “This was agreed (acknowledged) by the GoI. We stand as a separate entity,” he said.

Later, replying to queries from the media, Starson recalled how he and General (retired) Niki Sumi decided to offer the olive branch to the GoI following appeals from the tribal hohos in 2020. According to him, the decision was based on the resolve for an inclusive and ideal solution, while resuming and continuing the 2001 ceasefire NSCN-K had with the GoI.

He maintained that the precondition was to neither join the NSCN (IM), nor the NNPGs but be treated as a separate entity. The NSCN-K (Niki Group) and the GoI are, however, still to chart out a roadmap for political negotiations.

“We are not averse to beginning (political) talks. But there has to be unity first,” he maintained.

Queried on him and General Niki Sumi still featuring in the NIA’s ‘Wanted’ list, he disclosed that this matter was raised with Delhi. Delhi’s response was that the NIA cannot write off the case but so long as the ceasefire remained in effect, the case(s) against them would be kept in abeyance.