Against the backdrop of widespread criticism over his remarks made to a Guwahati-based TV channel on June 10, that any solution to the Naga issue that would come should be “under the constitution of India and it should be under the Indian union,”
BJP State president and higher education & tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna Along has expressed regrets for his view if it has hurt the sentiments of any Naga individual, organisation or Naga political group, in any way. In his statement, Along said while no one can afford to let the unresolved Naga political issue drag on considering the present situation and trajectory of the talks, he endorsed the view of the recently formed Core Committee on Nagaland political issue, the current stalemate needed to be settled in a “pragmatic and rational manner” that was acceptable to both negotiating sides.
Along also emphasised that any solution to the protracted Naga issue should be charted and sealed as aspired by all Nagas but which was also need of the hour. In this, Along said it was not to suggest that Naga aspirations should be entirely forfeited, but that a constitutional process be carried out while charting out a long-lasting honourable solution for Nagas. In the course of negotiations and talks, Along said both sides had made compromises on their respective stances. Nevertheless, Naga representatives have been able to make GoI understand and accept the uniqueness of Naga history. He also noted that talks have hit a deadlock and consequently a stalemate, he pointed out.
He also appealed to all fellow Nagas as well as Government of India (GoI) to work out an honourable and sustainable solution so that tomorrow’s generation of Nagas could live with dignity.
Along also said Nagas should pay heed to the clarion call of clear conscience and invoke providence from Almighty God so that they could all stand together as a people with love, respect and humility and give out a strong unified voice.
Along reiterated that Naga civil society had tremendous potential to play a proactive role in bringing all sections of Naga society together to reason out collective wisdom towards a sustainable common future of Nagas.
He pointed out that Nagas have a long and unique civilisation for which precious lives and resources have been sacrificed in safeguarding this unique history and identity. Along also said Nagas have made many strides over the decades towards fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of the Nagas.