Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) Tuesday resolved to appeal to Eastern Nagas to reconsider their demand for creation of Frontier Nagaland so that Nagas could continue to live as “one entity”.
This was contained in a five-point resolution adopted by CPO during the 41st general session of CPO at Middle Khomi village Phek district.
CPO said further divisions at this juncture would disintegrate the already fragmented Naga family.
The five-point resolution read out at the session by CPO Resolution Committee convener Nuzota Swuro further appealed to Southern Angami, Mao and Maram Khullen brothers to maintain peace and tranquillity in the true spirit of brotherhood and maintain age-old traditional relationship of one family for peaceful coexistence.
The organisation also resolved to appreciate district administration and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) for their concern and sincerity towards completing the two-lane road construction, and the villages along the highway for extending their cooperation in the ongoing road projects within Chakhesang jurisdiction.
Furthermore, the CPO resolved to insist upon all contractors for timely completion of the remaining projects and quality work as per the guidelines and specifications of NHIDCL.
It also resolved to carry out tree and flower plantations along the highways within its jurisdiction, besides reaffirming the resolutions adopted during the 38th CPO General Session on January 10, 2020 at Phek town and the resolution on Chakhesang tribe 75thanniversary celebration on January 10, 2021 at Phek town.
Earlier, former director general of police (DGP) Besesayo Kezo spoke on the general session theme “Living in the legacy of our leaders.”
Dr Chotisuh Sazo, MLA; Chakhesang Gazetted Officers’ Association president Vekhosa Chakhesang and Tenyimi People’s Organisation president Timikha Koza also spoke at the session. CPO president Vezühü Keyho delivered the presidential address.
Centre to respond to ENPO demand
After the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs began holding direct talks with Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) over the latter’s demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ state and as ENPO and various CSOs of Eastern Nagaland had decided to not participate in the forthcoming assembly election likely by end of February or first week of March 2023; the Centre is expected to announce its response while keeping the constitutional obligation to hold polls before expiry of the current 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
Solution to the Naga political issue has been temporary shelved since the unanimity for finalising the draft for inking an agreement was yet to be achieved. However, those privy to the consultations among stakeholders maintained that the government of India will get into gear and make known what it can offer under the constitution and that process will be after the assembly polls.
On the issue of ENPO statehood demand, earlier Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie had disclosed that the union home ministry had hinted at granting a Regional Autonomous Council (RAC) for ENPO.
Also sharing the same information, veteran Naga leader and former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir disclosed to Nagaland Post that he learnt that the Centre could offer an autonomous council-like package to ENPO under Section 244 b.
Dr. Jamir also told Nagaland Post that the ruling party in the state has compounded the problem by not engaging with the eastern Nagaland representatives in a serious manner. Jamir also said such an issue should have been discussed on the floor of the assembly under any circumstances and expressed astonishment that instead the PDA and later UDA offered to play the role as messengers to the Centre.
Jamir was clearly unhappy that the state which came into being after many tribe leaders had sacrificed everything to end the suffering of the people during the turbulent 50s was now being allowed to breakaway. He said the breakaway was like slicing a family members who have lived together for many decades.
Other sources also said the autonomous council under 6th schedule will also include a legislative council formed with elected representatives. The autonomous council will also manage and control funds provided directly from the Centre. It was also speculated that a mini-secretariat will be created and established at Eastern Nagaland.
It was also disclosed that the Centre had made it clear that bifurcating a small state like Nagaland to form another separate state was impracticable on several grounds. The Centre purportedly stated that the demand for a new state carved out of present Nagaland will be totally unviable because of size and lack of economic potential, serious problems which even present Nagaland state continues to face.
It may be noted that ENPO along with the seven tribal bodies and all frontal organizations, after a marathon five-hour meeting at DUDA Guest House at Sovima on January 7, resolved to apprise the Central team of the ‘talking points’ discussed on the ‘blueprint’ presented by the team Ministry on January 5.
It was learnt that the talking points will be presented to MHA panel during the next round of meeting likely by this week.