In continuation with its series of consultative meetings with various regions and organizations to keep abreast of everything about Naga political issue and the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks, the NSCN (I-M) on October 12 held a “One Day People’s Consultative Meeting” under the aegis of Makuilongdi Zeliangrong Region, GPRN and the people of Liangmai and Inpui at Tamei, Tamenglong.
The resource persons for the meeting were members of collective leadership Kraibo Chawang and ‘lt. gen.’ (Retd.) V.S. Atem VC, MIP stated in a press note. Kraibo asserted that NSCN was very clear of the present situation regarding the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and there was no confusion whatsoever. The whole world appreciates the stand taken by NSCN except few for vested interests, he said. On the controversial Kuki issue, MIP said Kraibo quoted historians saying there was no reference to the Kukis as indigenous tribe. “They are only quoted as nomadic and wandering tribes who are used by the British against the indigenous Nagas in Manipur,” he said.
He said the “refugee status of Kukis in Manipur” was well documented in Indian Parliament record when Naga MP, Suisa fought for the welfare of the Kuki refugees. On the Article 371(A) he cautioned the people where “Naga’s identity as a people and as a nation finds no meaning here.”
Referring to 16 Point Agreement and Shillong Accord, he said it was “vehemently condemned by the Nagas for accepting the Indian Constitution, treacherously betraying the Naga people’s political aspirations.” This is linked to the irritable syndrome called “something is better than nothing”. For the NSCN, “Nothing is better than nonsense” as this kind of agreement/accord only brought more killings in the name of Naga political movement. VS Atem his speech reminded the Liangmai and Inpui people that “Nagas are God’s special chosen people”, sharing stories historical incidents/facts, including the Naga Army trip to China that took eight months to reach after encountering enemy fire 31 times.
He said “The mighty Indian Army who admitted that there is no way the Naga political movement can be suppressed by military means and how they advised government of India to find political means.”
He said the government of India, for several times tried to deceive the Nagas into submission, but added that the God of Nagas cannot be deceived. “It is for this reason that NSCN keeps consulting God and Naga people to carry on the Naga political movement,” he said. He said nothing good happened to the Indian political leaders for willfully ignoring the Naga issue when the door was laid open for them to look into the issue. “What happen to the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s family when they failed to take cognizance of the Naga issue seriously, ignoring the political rights of the Nagas. He said that then Prime Minister Morarji Desai showed his extreme disdain for the Nagas when he said, “I will exterminate the Nagas without compunction”. But he didn’t live long to see the Nagas destroyed as per his scornfulness towards the Nagas, Atem said.
“The history of the Nagas is different from others. God gave the Nagas the political will and strength to stand the ground when faced with the situation to decide which way to go,” he said. Atem also highlighted the historical role of Haipou Jadonang as the man who show the way to the Nagas to stand the ground for their political rights and credited Haipou Jadonang when Nagas declared independence on August 14, 1947. MIP said NSCN team was highly impressed when Rev. Dr. Alungbou Newmai, executive secretary, LNBA(M) along with ordained Church leaders offered intercessory prayer for all the leaders of Nagas, staff of Makuilongdi Zeliangrong region, talk team of NSCN/GPRN and Government of India and for the unity of Nagas.