NSCN (I-M) held a consultative meeting of its parliamentarians from four regions– Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma and Pochury– at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on August 23, 2023.
According to the MIP, member collective leadership, ‘lt. gen’ (retd.) V.S. Atem, who was one of the main resource persons, said that Nagas were not far behind in political consciousness as compared to the Indians. He said the truth of history as recorded says Nagas strongly resisted British party when they first set their foot in Naga territory in 1882. Atem said in 1929 the Naga Club was formed and submitted memorandum to the Simon Commission to leave the Nagas alone in order to protect their identity as defined by land. He reminded the historical truth when Nagas refused to join India by signing the instrument of Accession like the rest of the princely states of Northeast and India.
He also said NSCN was given UNPO membership on January 23, 1993 on the basis of historical truth.
Atem said Nagas under NNC signed the 1964 ceasefire accepting to solve Naga political issue through peaceful means, but it was abrogated by India and not by the Nagas.
Until 1972, he said Nagaland was under the Ministry of External Affairs but brought under Ministry of Home Affairs. He said Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, had disdainfully uttered that he would finish the Nagas in a matter of few days. “But the factual truth remains after more than seventy years,” Atem said, adding that God is the truth and He has been with the Nagas in every decision.
In his keynote address, kilonser ‘maj’ (retd.) Kewe Mero, who convened the meeting, said that the purpose of organizing such consultative meeting was to bring better understanding in order to strengthen unity and cooperation while keeping the focus on the Naga political issue.
Mero said such meeting would help establish positive link with the public.
Kilonser Kihoi Swu, shared his concern, saying “India may play with the constitution of India to exploit the huge mineral resources in Naga areas.”
On the Framework Agreement, Swu said that notwithstanding political shortsightedness of some group/people, there was no alternative to Framework Agreement. He said that Naga political issue was made known to the world for more than 70 years and no fault was found.
On the issue of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), MIP said VS Atem and ‘brig.’ (retd.) Akho Naga, who is also the president of Tenyimi National Workers Forum, affirmed that “this is not in keeping with the socio-political interest of the Nagas and not going to be allowed.”
Kilonser education Jongpong said “We have to show ourselves unity, reconciliation spirit and commitment to win the public support and cooperation”.
Collective Leadership member, Zarsie Nguthe also encouraged the Tenimiya national workers at the meeting.