NSCN (I-M) member of the collective leadership and convener of the Eastern Naga National Workers Union (ENNWU), Moba Chang acknowledged and took pride in stating that the Eastern Nagas have contributed immensely towards the national struggle.
“We unselfishly rescued many situations that spelled doom, not only once but many a times. We should continue to play this magnanimous role as more challenging tasks face us under the unfolding political scenario,” Moba said in his written speech handed out to the media to commemorate the silver jubilee of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO). He expressed regret for not attending the event due to unavoidable circumstances.
In his speech, Moba went on to state that an “honorable and acceptable solution will be with us if we learn to defend our God given political rights with courage and uprightness, and free ourselves from the oppressors.”
He also highlighted about the relationship between the ENNWU and the ENPO. Recalling the formation of TMPO, followed by ENPO, Moba expressed gratitude to ENPO for the high level of integrity displayed throughout the tumultuous period of Naga political struggle. On the part of ENNWU, he said they had not let ENPO down but cooperated with throughout, sharing mutual understanding in every possible way. He said ENNWU was invited by ENPO on December 18, 2007 at Tuensang during which they happily obliged to agree with the resolution for maintaining peace and reconciliation without any territorial demarcation, adding that NSCN (I-M) was still committed to that spirit. Stating that at that point of time there were only three groups– NSCN/ GPRN, NNC/FGN and NSCN-K. “It was our expectation that the meeting would be forthcoming to bring the three groups together in principle. But our positive response, desirous of securing unity among Naga political groups was cut short when multiple groups mushroomed, giving heavy burden to the public and created more confusion,” he added.
Asserting that when Naga political situation was passing through a critical stage, Moba urged all not to be bedeviled by “our madness for leadership, position and wealth.”
In conclusion, he called upon ENPO to show the way to other Nagas across Nagalim to salvage the Nag people’s political future and ensure that it was honorable and acceptable to all.