Naga Hoho (NH) Thursday asserted that the contentious issue of Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) needed to be “seriously perused” and expressed the view that PNH should not merely be a cultural body, but “well defined organs” for development of Naga areas and to work for Naga integration in future.
NH through its communication cell maintained that PNH would directly benefit the Naga people in general irrespective of regions or areas, adding that it would be “a precursor to the aspiration of the Nagas for integration.”
NH stated that Naga political struggle/movement started with the commitment to live together as independent people. NH, however, expressed disheartenment that “many tall Naga leaders have fallen prey to the interest of India” rather than the interests of the Naga people.
Also, asserting that Naga people have been longing to see a lasting peace in the land after more than 23 years of peace talks, the NH said that today some of the Naga leaders were, however, “putting the cart before the horse and continue to confuse the general populace.”
The hoho stated that the “negotiators” after realising the contemporary political realities “agreed to have a shared sovereignty between India and the Naga people as two separate entities whereby the “Framework Agreement was signed between the Government of India and the Naga people on 3rd August 2015.”
However, NH expressed astonishment that “some organizations and political parties” have started to express doubts/apprehension and some had even gone to the extent of rejecting it without even realising the content and structure of PNH.
The hoho affirmed that Naga people would not accept any agreement that would further divide the Nagas. It warned that any solution confined to a particular state/area would be nothing but the beginning of “another new chapter of chaos in the Naga society.”
According to NH, the agreement must ensure that Naga people were brought together under “befitting political arrangement” that would ensure the dignity and identity as a people.
Further, NH asserted that the platform that integrated the Nagas from all the regions would “definitely” strengthen the Nagas all the more. It also opined that collective wisdom which evolves from PNH would serve the Nagas’ interests and aspirations in much broader ways and stronger terms. “The collective expression made by Naga leaders and public of the past for united Nagaland is irrevocable, irreversible and indelible,” NH stated.
The hoho maintained that “inclusive and robust structure” in the form of PNH would give Nagas immense strength to address various issues. It added that Nagas having such a Pan Naga platform would be “definitely liberating, empowering, ensuring the freedom and development of all sections of Nagas.” NH said that the fear created by “self or by others through one sided prejudice speculations” needed to be broadened.
Stating that young Nagas must not be swayed by emotions, NH said they should apply their minds and need to search their souls to embrace the rich Naga common heritage that would take the Nagas towards freedom, progress and prosperity. NH underscored that it was high time young Nagas from various regions “must urgently forge to build strong and grand Naga alliance harnessing the opportunity that is at hand.”