Rengma Hoho (RH) has directed Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA) to dissociate forthwith from Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) in the interest of all Nagas and not unilaterally participate until such time the Nagas agreed to come together for a common cause.
RH president Pollem Tep and general secretary Sinhilo Thongseb also demanded that the Rengma Hoho should invariably be consulted in future if invited to participate in any other organisational platform, failing which RH would take action as per customary law. RH said they understood from NMA’s letter that the latter had withdrawn its petition from Supreme Court on January 27, 2017 and also had no connection with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
But, if the narrative was true, they reasoned that the court case should not have re-surfaced. They said any organisation volunteering to justify or champion a cause on behalf of the people by giving valuable inputs should not drag every conflict to court without the consent of the aggrieved. “While one may say it is the right of the aggrieved, those accused also have rights, which should not be violated. Now majority of the Nagas are on equal footing as far as violation of Article 371(A) is concerned. In the midst of these doldrums, if the NMA has consciously withdrawn and disconnected itself from organisations outside Nagaland, it is appreciated,” they stated.
Under such circumstances and based on its March 28, 2023 resolution, the duo declared that the RH would not allow any of its constituent units to participate or allow to be member of any other organisation that worked to widen the social divide and was detrimental to its own people.
RH said it was against Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 transgressing into special provision of Art 371(A), which was the link between Nagas and Government of India. RH said Art 371(A) was deeply rooted in the soul and mind of every Naga and warned that any attempt to tinker with it would be akin to stirring a hornet’s nest, which would invite the wrath of entire Naga society.
Meanwhile, RH appreciated the state government for timely repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act, adding that inaction would have created turmoil in every corner of the 16 districts. RH said the positive action taken by the Assembly saved Nagas from further bloodshed, while the death of two young lives in 2017 still remained in the minds of those who witness that terrifying incident.
