THE fifth consultative meeting of the Naga people has urged Government of India to expedite the ongoing peace process. It has also requested the Centre to show necessary political will to solve this vexed problem.

The meeting was organised by NSCN (IM) and attended by 70 delegates from various Naga organisations, deliberated on whether the ceasefire was a success or not and whether it should be continued. The meeting also passed a resolution after two brain-storming sessions.

On the issue of continuation of ceasefire, the resolution said that it would depend on the ‘will of the people’. The resolution called upon every citizen, civil society organizations and Churches to re-introduce themselves with greater preparedness and responsibilities towards consolidating peoples’ collective potentials for nation building and meaningful political settlement.

NSCN (IM) leader T. Muivah in his speech at the consultative meet said that “people who cannot take a decision of their own are less than the people, so Nagas need to know their stand clearly and stick to the truth, what the Indian Government can do? Integration is an issue which Assam or Manipur Government would never agree, so it is and always has been the Centre who needed to take the decision. How can the Government of India or Manipur say that Nagas have no right to live as one? There is no force to stop the Nagas now. I have told Delhi that you have party interest in Manipur, be it Congress or BJP.”

The NSCN (IM) general secretary further added: “We cannot wait as they want us to. It is pertinent to state that Karbi’s were given a choice to decide whether they preferred to remain with the Assam mainstream or have a separate autonomous council, Nagas in Manipur have not been given that choice. Meiteis need to realise that Nagas are the decisive factor in their problems and the situation, but they depend solely on Government of India, the simple reason is that they do not consider Nagas as humans, it is their superiority complex.”

The NSCN (IM) leader more observed that the Jamir Government made blunder of calling the Naga situation at Manipur as a Manipur problem so it was up to tem to deal with it. “This is dangerous,” he remarked. He felt that Nagas can only achieve their goal when they come to a point where they realize that any part of the Naga area is as important as Kohima.

“It is because of such baseless statements that Rishang Keishing could say that not an inch would be given to Nagas”, Muivah observed. More he clarified that ours is not a question of claim, but it is a fact. “Unity of Nagas could only come when all Naga land is considered as ours,” opined the IM leader.

The NSCN (IM) general secretary also promised not to collect tax from small Naga entrepreneurs after facing some criticism for the same in the meeting. Muivah said that this would be done to provide the entrepreneurs a chance to build the future of Nagaland. “Such a decision will not only encourage the educated unemployed but will also ensure that more will invest in small sector which in the long run will not only be good for our economy but will also tackle the plague of unemployment once and for all,” Said the NSCN (IM) leader. Coming down heavily on politicians, the general secretary remarked that “if we allow them to use us for their political gain, it is wrong. It should be vice versa.

“Nagas need to know the danger of the issue getting out of their hands. And this can happen if there is a third party involved in the dialogue with Government of India. We as Nagas know our problems best. Stop criticizing us all the time and at least give us some credit where it is due,” Muivah said.

Naga Hoho president Horangse in the meet said that “The collective leadership has consulted with the Nagas through their various Hoho’s as it clearly shows in today’ presence and this is the fifth time we are meeting like this, so if the peace talks fail the Nagas cannot blame the NSCN (IM). They have consulted the Naga leaders and have asked for their opinion and advice before speaking to Delhi every time, so this is a collective effort.” Blaming Government of India for its inaction, Rev. Bizo remarked “let Nagas know that we are all doing out part, but steps taken by the Indian side are not enough.

Corruption among the NSCN (IM) cadres was a talking point in the meet. NSF president Pushikha Sumi observed the “Money corrupts and if those with the weapons are given the authority to collect tax, there is always a danger of unwanted confrontations and situations which will ultimately reflect on the leadership.” The NSF president also requested the collective leadership that all unruly cadres should be punished as per the gravity of the crime and should not torture a common man for committing crime. This is necessary to win the confidence of the people, he opined. 

Some other important issues were also raised in the consultative meet. Some delegates pointed out that some NSCN (IM) cadres for their personal gains are indulging in corruption. On his part the NSCN (IM) general secretary admitted the presence of such corrupt cadres in the organisation and bitterly remarked that “there are some Buffaloes in our ranks too. Buffaloes always follow anyone who gives them salt. And politicians have a lot of salt.” He advised the NSCN (IM) cadres that they should be guided by their conscience at all times.

Absence of NSCN (IM) chairman Issac Swu from the consultative meet was also a talking point. NPMHR representative Vikeho Swu pointed out that because of his absence some unwanted elements have started spreading rumors. He made an appeal to all the delegates present at the meet to put the record straight when they go back home. There were some voices against the ongoing peace process. Some delegates felt that the progress of ceasefire in the last eight years was not satisfactory. They are of the opinion that ceasefire should be discontinued if no further development is forthcoming. The Lotha Hoho delegated expressed the view that ceasefire had helped the Indian intelligence to gather more information about the Nagas.

While the consultative meet was on in Bangkok, Ahthibung town in Paren district witnessed bloody factional clashes. The clash flared up early in the morning and continued till late in the afternoon. According to reports, about 40 NSCN (IM) cadres entered Ahthibung from Ghalkot area and attacked NSCN (K) men. NSCN (K) cadres were in the ceasefire designated camp at the time of attack. One person was killed while three others were injured in the confrontation. The injured were taken to Jalukie.

Meanwhile, NSCN (I-M) punished its erring cadres for the September 3 Pallel Khulak incident. According to a press release issued by D Joy Rudolph, Executive Officer, Khurmi Region, these cadres have been punished and are still in military custody of the outfit for further military action. Earlier, five persons had reportedly beaten up two Naga youth at Pallel Khulak, Manipur while they were returning home   from Tuisimi village. One of those assaulted happened to be an    NSCN cadre.

Later, the same cadre returned   to the spot with two of his accomplices in search of the five who had assaulted him. Not    finding them, they assailed a person by the name of M Ajit Singh who happened to be in the vicinity, Joy has stated.

The NSCN has, in this regard, stated that the perpetration of such an act is not justifiable. The outfit has further apologised to the victim and his family members.

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