President of GPRN/NSCN (U) ‘gen.’ (Retd) MB Neokpao was officially installed as the convener of Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) with NSCN/GPRN (K) ato kilonser ‘col.’ (Retd.) Isak Sumi and NSCN (R) ato kilonser P Tikhak Naga as working conveners of the WC/NNPGs at a ceremony held at Hotel Saramati here on Saturday.
After installation, Neokpao, the new convener, WC/NNPGs in his acknowledgement speech, expressed happiness on being appointed as the convener and termed it as a blessing of God. He called for unity among the Nagas for marching ahead.
Referring to the emergence of newer Naga Political Groups (NPGs), Neokpao these divisions had become a mockery in the eyes of Naga people and a laughing stock for the central government.
Neokpao said he has been working with principle for the nation for the past 51 years and not for business. He lamented that many committed individuals were being discredited by some individuals with selfish interests. He urged the Nagas not to be driven by greed for power, but to work in unity until the ultimate goal was achieved.
Also in his acknowledgment speech, the new working convener P Tikhak Naga noted that such moments of unity were rare and maintained it was all part of God’s plan. He expressed gratitude on being appointed to the WC, NNPGs and assured the Naga people, intellectuals, and civil society organisations that he would put in his best efforts for their welfare.
Tikhak also quoted General Aung San, “We cannot bank our hopes on possibilities.
We must put our trust in ourselves, in our capabilities and efforts and strength and preparation, not only for our success but even to avoid our own defeat.”
Stressing on self-reflection, he called upon all Nagas to learn from past mistakes, take corrective measures, and unite in purpose. He cautioned against falling into the trap of certain people who were engaged in accumulation of wealth. He said such people were only at Naga political movement as an opportunity and not as a duty and responsibility. He called for working hard and believing in themselves to come together and resolve the Naga political issue once and for all
Noting that the suffering of the people continued, Tikhak maintained that the time had come to seriously ponder to bring an end to these sufferings. “We must understand the issue correctly and identify the fault lines. Our intentions should be clear and pure,” he commented, exhorting all the Nagas to unite in prayer for divine intervention and work towards a common understanding.
Delivering his acknowledgement speech, working convener WC/NNPGs Isak Sumi acknowledged the prolonged Naga struggle and despite more than seven to eight decades of effort, there was still no clarity.
Pointing out that opposition would always exist when pursuing a good cause, he urged the Nagas not to be swayed by deception. “There is nothing permanent in life. Leaders come and go, but the chair and leadership remain,” he said and urged the leaders to focus on giving and sacrificing, rather than taking and receiving.
Isak highlighted spiritual dimension of the Naga struggle, emphasising that they were fighting not only in flesh but also in spirit. He urged the Nagas to introspect on whether they were standing with God.
“If we were to stand against the mighty Indian Army, we wouldn’t last a day. But if we stand under the guidance of God as soldiers of Christ, we can achieve our goal,” he remarked.
He observed that the Nagas had suffered for the past 70 to 80 years due to selfishness. But, he said this should be taken as learning, rather than a waste.
He exhorted everyone to work in unity, asserting that the answer might be just in front of us.
“Despite all opposition or criticisms, if we identify our weaknesses, listen to others, accommodate Christ’s principle, God will bless our future,” he maintained.