Working Group of NNPGs back call for postponing polls

Source: Nagaland Post

Even as the cry for postponing Assembly election in favour of solution, gets louder by the day, Working Committee of the NNPGs has finally come out in the open by lending weight to the chorus for ‘solution before election’ .

In this file photo members of the NNPGs Working Committee are seen with Interlocutor RN Ravi in New Delhi on September 27, 2017 (Photo Courtesy -Morung Express)

In a statement media cell of the NNPGs maintained that election to Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) would have “serious ramifications” on the ongoing peace process and so appealed to the Government of India to appreciate the sentiments of the people. WC expressed the hope the government of India would act “positively” for paving a way and create conducive atmosphere for smooth negotiation process so as to arrive at an honourable and acceptable solution to the long-drawn “Indo-Naga” political problem.

Further the Working Group also warned that holding elections when political negotiation was at an advanced stage, would negatively impact pursuit of early solution.

Drawing attention to the appeals of various organisations, WC stated that it was “very encouraged” to find that all prominent Naga civil bodies had voiced their support for a smooth transaction of negotiation process without hindrance from any quarters, adding that expression of anxiety vis-à-vis polls was genuine.

The WC also appreciated the resolution adopted by Nagaland Legislative Assembly recently urging the Government of India to defer election in favour of solution. The committee noted that while periodic democratic exercise was vital to all citizens, inhabitants of Nagaland cutting across party affiliations, tribes, religious denominations, civil bodies, village chiefs, etc, had taken a stand that elections be postponed in favour of solving the 70-year-old “Indo-Naga” political problem.

WC said this was an unprecedented show of unity of purpose by Nagas and clearly an extraordinary situation which the Election Commission of India “must take note”.

Asserting that people on a path towards negotiated political solution should not be forced to engage in electoral battles, WC urged the government of India to respect cordial expressions of apex Naga bodies and warned that forceful measures could lead to social unrest.

The NNPGs also called upon all intending candidates in Nagaland, irrespective of their party affiliations, to respond to the demands by standing by people’s commitment.

WC said in the event the ECI insisted on holding election despite strident calls for deferment in Nagaland, the people would respond in an appropriate manner.

It said fulfilling Naga people’s political aspiration was far greater than indulging in electoral exercise. WC therefore urged upon Naga leaders to focus on finding a political solution as the negotiations were on the verge of a decisive moment in the Naga people’s existence as a people and nation.

WC said it was time for leaders to exercise utmost reasoning and align with the people. The NNPGs also expressed gratitude to God for enabling them to enter into a political dialogue with the Government of India and to Naga public, Naga friends and well-wishers for their unflinching support at every level.

WC said since the negotiations have entered a crucial stage of intensive negotiation, it has appealed for prayer support from all sections of people so that the NNPGs could play their roles responsibly.

It may be mentioned that various Naga tribal hohos and civil society groups including Naga Hoho, ENPO, NMA, NGBF, NTC, CNTC, ACAUT and others had recently shot off separate missives to central leaders including the President, Prime Minister and Home minister seeking postponement of polls.

Naga Hoho calls for poll boycott

Naga Hoho has urged the Government of India not to ignore appeals from Naga civil society groups and tribe hohos and the wishes of the Naga people “for political solution and not election.”

In a press release, Naga Hoho assembly secretary, K Elu Ndang, and general secretary, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, said the hoho had been repeatedly seeking the attention of the government of India to sincerely consider the general wishes of the Naga people and initiate meaningful dialogue with all the stakeholders for lasting solution of Indo-Naga political problem at the earliest and defer the scheduled election.

The signatories said that Naga Hoho also requested the Prime Minister of India, the President of India, Interlocutor and the Election Commission of India to bring early solution instead of holding election.

Asserting that the voice of the people was supreme in a democratic set up, the Naga Hoho has, therefore, appealed to the Naga people from different walks of life to gear up and defend their inherent rights and disallow holding of election in their land.

The hoho underlined that the government of India should understand that Nagas were extending helping hands for solving the decades old Indo-Naga political problem and not asking for favour.

Source: Nagaland Post