‘A Peoples Rally’ in Delhi calls for inclusive Naga solution

Naga Students’ Federation in collaboration with the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi held ‘A Peoples Rally’ in the national capital Delhi under the theme “Call for Peace” on Saturday.
In a press note, organizing committee convenor and Naga Hoho general secretary K. Elu Ndang said that the rally was attended by members of the federating units, Delhi Eastern Nagaland.
Students’ Union Delhi, Nagas in Delhi, leaders, church pastors, elders, well-wishers and people from mainland India who support the cause of the Naga movement. In his presidential address, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep underlined the purpose of the rally stating that “Nagas call for peace in its essence is simple; it is a prayer for harmonious and peaceful coexistence. It is a symbol of our inherent desire to pursue building peace, both within and without.” While urging the Government of India to honour its political commitment, Tep stated that there should only be one solution as there was only one Indo-Naga political problem.
He further asserted that the proposed political settlement should be inclusive, honourable and acceptable that recognises Naga identity which should be brought to its logical conclusion at the earliest.
The message by Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) was read out by Eli. Fabiola Chinir. NMA stressed on the killings and atrocities committed by the Indian armed forces in the Naga Homeland. “Today, we call upon the Government of India to honor the peace negotiations and bring about sustainable peace in our Naga homeland by an honorable, acceptable and inclusive solution, to the Naga people at the earliest,” NMA stated.
NMA also called for recognition of the Naga flag, under which it said “thousands have marched and laid down their lives”. It also sought for a working Constitution “that will protect our Naga identity of social, cultural traditions and practices, basic Naga laws, our land and resources.”
NMA also reiterated its demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which has violated every form of human rights in our Naga homeland.
Elu Ndang called on the Prime Minister of India not to backtrack from his commitment in resolving the Naga issue. The Naga Hoho also appealed to “all communities and nationalities in India” to extend their fullest support in resolving the decades old protracted Indo-Naga political issue.”
While stressing on “inclusive and honorable” political solution, Dr. Kh. Pou of the Global Naga Forum stressed on the need for an honorable solution based on the following: “respect for Naga historical and political rights, official recognition of Naga Flag and the Constitution, inclusive solution not part solution, but solution for all the Naga areas, repeal of AFSPA and demilitarization of the region and complete autonomy in governance over all the ancestral Naga homeland.”
Representative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation Gentleson Vashum, Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy general secretary Vijayan MJ, NPMHR general secretary Neingoulo Krome, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur president Thirtung Wanglar also addressed the gathering while solidarity message of former secretary general of South Asia Forum for Human Rights and member PIPFPD Tapan Bose was read out at the rally.
The event was chaired by NSF general secretary Siipuni Ng Philo and the rally concluded with a mass sloganeering. The NSF also sent a representation to government of India seeking urgent attention to the Indo-Naga political issue.