Time has come for Nagas to take wise decision: Kronu

Asserting Nagas were in a very crucial stage of Naga political struggle, the minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, Thursday said the time has come to take a wise decision as a wrong decision at this moment will be blamed by generations to come.
Speaking as guest at the 30th general session of Nagaland Gaon Burah (GB) Federation at Phek town on Thursday, Kronu said “Now is the right time to take the right decision as the negotiations have been going on for 25 years,” minister said.
“We are not saying we will forgo flag, sovereignty or constitution but for now accept what is possible and continue with the democratic process,” he said.
Stating that Naga political issue was affecting all the Nagas in general, he said even the elected members were not willing to go to elections as it not easy to run the government under the present circumstances. He, therefore, said it should be solved so as to concentrate on taking the economy of the state forward.
Minister also conveyed that the elected representatives want the Naga society to decide by now whether to go for elections without solution or no elections without solution. The elected representatives will find it difficult to accept any last moment decision not to hold an election, he said.
Meanwhile, Kronu encouraged the GBs to deliver the right judgment in any matter concerning the welfare of the Nagas. He revealed that the state government has decided to document the Naga customary law and practices for which collection of such documents from all the tribes has started.
In this regard, he appealed to the GBs to play the pivotal role in documenting the customary law and practices.
Informing that Nagaland did have proper land laws and was still using Assam Land Laws with some amendments, the minister said that enactment of Nagaland Land Law was being worked out by the government and it would be tabled for discussion in the state cabinet.
He also sought the support and cooperation of the GBs in bringing out the state’s own land laws.
Also, speaking at the programme as guest of honour. NPF legislator Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu said any solution should be above Article 371(A) and the 16 Point Agreement or the Statehood, adding that this should be the demand of the Nagas.
“Any form of solution/settlement that comes about should be above the present Article 371 A and nothing below. It should also be a solution to end an era of extortion, threat, killing, kidnapping, taxation etc,” he opined.
He, however, said that “our aspirations or demand for a complete Sovereignty will continue till we achieve it.”
With regard to delayed solution, Azo questioned what more was there to talk when the Government of India declared that talks have concluded on October 31, 2019? “If so all we have to ask GoI, is to implement what has been agreed with our National Workers, but before it is put to implementation the competency clauses should be made known to the general public,” he said.
He said that if the talk has really ended, Nagas should request the Centre to declare the competency clauses agreed with the NPGs before implementing it.
Acknowledging the GBs for their proactive role in protecting the Customary Law and practices, the MLA said they should also be the guardian and protectors of Naga traditions and set an example for the new generation to follow.
He stated that it was high time the Nagas have their own written or printed Customary law.
Azo suggested GBs to set a rule that only elderly should be appointed as GB and not someone at the age range of 30-40 years.
Commissioner Nagaland Rovilatuo Mor appreciated the GBs for extending active cooperation to the administration and government. He informed that the government has decided to provide quality material for red waist coats and blankets.
Expressing concern over the existence of GBs in the towns, he said that the government was reviewing the matter.
He said that suggestions have been put forth for the need of GBs in the towns and municipal areas for better coordination and maintenance of law and order.
Stating that GBs were part of a government agency, he questioned their involvement in various agitations and political issues.
Pointing out that Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India protects the customary law and the land and resources, he said as the guardians of the customary court, GBs should strengthen the customary court without any political affiliations and vested interest.
The deputy commissioner Phek Razouvolie Dozo said GBs were the backbone of the district administration in various activities.
He also put forward suggestions to reconsider the appointment of GBs by increasing the lower age limit and also pondering on the upper age limit to maintain the credibility of GBs.
On the occasion, NGBF president L. Shahlem Konyak delivered the keynote address.
The session was chaired by NGBF vice president Kashito Yepthomi while the welcome address was delivered by Phek District GB Association president Zadulhu Ringa.
Tuensang District GB Association president N. Khoniashem proposed the vote of thanks.