Will put guns to museum if there is a solution: Kitovi

May 14, 2023 83 Views No Comment

Questions what has Nagaland got out of Art 371 (A)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 14

The answer to the Naga political problem is accepting a solution, according to N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convenor of the Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs). Zhimomi made the statement at a programme commemorating the installation of S Kiviho Zhimomi as the President of the UNPG-NNC (Parent Body) at its Central Office in Diphupar on May 13.

Recently, there was a dispute in the UNPG/NNC (PB) over the post of President between Kiviho, who was then the Vice President, and UNPG/NNC (PB) President, Z. Royim Yimkhiung. The dispute was resolved through the intervention of the WC. Kiviho was elevated to the post of President, UNPG-NNC and Royim remained as the President of the NNC (Parent Body).

Commenting on the now reconciled dispute, Kitovi held that it was the handiwork of “anti-peace” elements trying to spread discord within the NNPGs, which is a joint forum of 8 Naga Political Groups, including the Zeliangrong United Front.

In a speech lasting well over an hour, Kitovi dwelled on the circumstances that led to the formation of the NNPGs and the subsequent political negotiations with the Government of India. The talks, he maintained, concluded in October 31, 2019, but some sections of the Nagas are reluctant to accepting a solution.

He also touched on the legal standing of Article 371 (A) visa-a-vis the clause relating to land and natural resources juxtaposed with the dispute over oil exploration in Nagaland. According to him, Nagaland has not been able to leverage the special powers, conferred by Article 371 (A), owing to lack of interpretative clarity.

“But what are we getting out of it?” he posed. While the Article in theory confers autonomy, he said that lack of interpretative clarity has rendered it “untouchable” not only to the GoI but also to Nagaland as well. He reiterated, “It has not given the Nagas legislative powers in terms of land and resources.”

He though maintained that oil exploration in the Disputed Area Belt will not be allowed until and unless final closure is given to the Indo-Naga political issue. “Give us legislative power and let Naga people alone decide their future and make use of the natural resources,” he said, while adding that the boundary dispute with Assam should also be resolved.

According to him, if the GoI cannot guarantee sovereignty and integration of Naga inhabited areas, then the GoI must ensure that the powers conferred by Article 371 (A) be fully implemented and realised. “The stand of the WC is to demand the right to apply the full powers as conferred by 371 (A),” he said.

He added that it implies putting in place legislative bodies in the form of a Lower House (Leacy Hoho) and Upper House (Nagaland Federal Hoho) with the latter having representation from every tribe or members, who are well versed in Naga customary practices. The Upper House, he maintained, should have authority over Article 371 (A).

But he maintained that these can be achieved only with peace. “If there is a solution we will put the guns in the museum. There will be no need for weapons.” He added that post solution; Nagaland will work in tandem with India’s Act East policy.

Other senior members, who attended, included Z Royim Yimkhiung, President, NNC-PB; WC co-convenors— Isak Sumi, Ato Kilonser of NSCN-K (Isak); Shitoho Chophy, NPGN Ato Kilonser; Kiumukam Yim, President, GDRN; and Toshi Walling, Ato Kilonser, UNPG-NNC.

UNPG/NNC President, Kiviho held the recent leadership dispute as “a small crisis among the party workers of UNPG/NNC” but the wisdom of the WC leadership prevailed to amicably resolve the dispute. He further assured his support and allegiance to the WC NNPGs by trying his best to lead and serve in humility.