Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 24 (NPN): While a majority of public of Dimapur, mostly youth, were looking forward to the planned the “Naga Youth Movement” rally called by Fed-Up Nagas (FUN) scheduled for June 27 at Super Market area, some expressed skepticism that the rally would make any difference as along with several other rallies of the past years.
Speaking to this reporter, several people especially the youth, expressed strong support for the initiative. They said the rally reflected the growing frustration of the youth generation grappling with many uncertainties.
One youth said the rally by the FUN came out of a genuine concern for state of affairs affecting the socio-economic lives of the common people. He said the long-pending delay in resolving the Naga political issue had left many disillusioned. “If this rally can push leaders towards a solution, then it is worth supporting”, he said. He also expressed the hope that “something concrete” would emerge this time.
Another young entrepreneur regarded the planned rally as, “a rally for the future of Nagas”, and a necessary step to remind stakeholders of public sentiment.
Most of those who this Reporter spoke with echoed similar sentiment that the unexplained and undue delay in securing resolution of the Naga political issue should addressed urgently by both the state government and the government of India.
Over a dozen youth were optimistic that this time, the youth in particular would not only support the movement for peace and solution but also ensure that the proposed June 27 rally will bring something concrete and positive.
Some of those who this Reporter spoke with were however skeptical about anything new likely to happen. While refraining from outright criticism, some of them so questioned the intent and effectiveness of yet another public mobilization.
A senior citizen recalled that similar rallies had been organised in the past by various civil society organisations (CSOs) but somehow, there had been no outcome mainly because such movements appeared to lack steam.
He recalled: “People come, make strong speeches, submit memorandums but after that it’s back to square one.”
Another questioned whether the popular sentiment for peace and solution would be used by the organisers to launch their political ambitions or to achieve personal interests?
Without naming any individual or group, he said many movements start with good intentions but end up without achieving anything worthwhile.
Others said the national workers of various political groups need to ponder over the anger and frustration among the people against rampant illegal taxations.
Another upcoming entrepreneur noted that after signing of Framework Agreement (2015) and Agreed Position (2017), the state government should have carried out its role as facilitator by demanding solution from the government of India.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced in public that Naga problem had been solved in 2015.
It may be noted that Fed Up Nagas plans a public rally at Super Market on June 27, with various leaders from several groups coming together to express the sentiments of public at large.
According to the official programme released by the organisers, the rally will be held under the theme “Hear the Youth. Honour the Truth”.
The event will feature public addresses from representatives of major Naga political groups, including NSCN-(I-M) and W/C NNPGs.