Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie extended his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all Congressmen and women to governor RN Ravi for honouring Naga People’s Convention (NPC) chairman Dr Imkongliba Ao by presenting a bust to the people of Nagaland.
As one of the early educated persons who grew with the Naga political movement, Imkongliba gave his life for the people, Therie stated in a press release, adding “we owe them for all that we are today”. Appreciating the wisdom of 16-points, he said words were insufficient to express gratitude to Jawaharlal Nehru too for providing Article 371A.
He recalled that NPC was organised after Indian forces advanced to defeat FGN that was raised after 1954 to resist aggression. In 1956-57, many villages were burnt down, people tortured and killed, while many lived in the jungles for years, living off forest vegetation and wildlife. In this backdrop, Therie said NPC was organised to represent the voice of people, adding that in the beginning, NNC/FGN also joined in the discussions but later backed out.
Admitting that Nagaland has not been able to develop like other States although it was the 16th State and completed 58 years of Statehood, Therie remarked “we are fighting against ego. “People who cannot sacrifice time, health and wealth are talking more than those holding rifles. People who fear crackers are braving nuclear power. People who cannot live without grants and Finance Commission awards are talking of self-dependency. One is free to express but should also be realistic and not mislead. We are supposed to be God’s children,” the release stated. Clarifying that Congress has no objection if someone can improve the State and that was how the party had offered talks with no conditions, Therie however cautioned that “talks with no condition” was not a means to live but to find solution. Delay in solution has destroyed the opportunities of development and job creation in the State, he pointed out.
He said, “For people like me who cannot fight by giving time, health and wealth, must contribute wisdom in building the State to provide education, generate jobs and develop a vibrant economy.” He said he believed that the vision of Imkongliba and the founding fathers of Nagaland were to raise their children with abundance of opportunities.