Various prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) of Nagaland have combined their voices to demand solution to the Naga political issue before the Assembly election, adding that they have also “lost faith in the democratic process.”
This was contained in a memorandum addressed to Union Home minister Amit Shah. It was jointly signed by- Nagaland People’s Action Committee convener Theja Therieh; co-conveners Shikuto Zalipu & convener of Peace Committee NGBF and Imsumongba Pongen; joint secretary Akhu Naga; NGBF president Sahlem Konyak; ACAUT convener Tia Longchar; CNTC president T Lanu Imchen; Senior Citizens’ Association president Dr Khanlo Magh; Ex-Parliamentarians’ Association of Nagaland president Joshua Sumi; CNCCI president Dr Khekugha; Nagaland Tribes Council president Toniho Yeptho and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie.
The signatories welcomed Shah to Nagaland and mentioned that his physical presence bore much significance and assured Shah that as primary stakeholders, they would give full cooperation towards implementation of expected solution. They also urged upon the Centre to take the decision on whether the negotiations be brought to logical conclusion in a solution or call it a fiasco, as the indecision did not benefit any party. While pointing out that the political negotiations between Centre and the two negotiating groups– NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee of NNPGs– has reached the 26th year, the CSOs maintained that prolonged negotiations had taken an immense toll on the lives of people and economy of Nagaland.
They further reminded that the people had submitted several memorandums and representations to Prime Minister, particularly during the last few years, in urging him to resolve the issue without delay. However, they lamented that uncertainty loomed large till date despite the official negotiations having been concluded in October 2019.
Also, the memorandum stated that even the public assurance by then BJP general secretary in-charge of Nagaland of “Election for Solution” in 2018 seemed has ended in a damp squib as the term of current Nagaland Legislative Assembly was about to end without the assured solution.
The CSOs also endorsed a copy of the earlier representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by saying they continue to uphold the languages and expressions contained in the representation.
Nagaland CSOs ask Shah for solution before polls
