The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) held its General Body Meeting (GBM) for 2024-25 at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur, with Nagaland’s Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, as the special guest.
During the second session of the GBM, Ex-PAN adopted several key resolutions concerning the Naga political issue, the Indo-Myanmar border situation, and the long-pending Foothill Road project.
Emphasizing the need for a swift resolution, Ex-PAN declared that “seven decades of struggle and a decade-long peace negotiation are enough,” asserting that “the people of Nagaland want development and progress like any other state, free from hindrances.”
It urged the Government of India (GoI) to “make public the competencies of the Framework Agreement” and called for “a common draft of the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position.”
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words to the Political Affairs Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ex-PAN noted, “take 80% and leave the balance 20% to be taken up later.”
To facilitate progress, the association “empowered its Executive Council to set up a committee to meet with all negotiating parties and the GoI to discuss and submit suggestions.”
On the Indo-Myanmar border issue, Ex-PAN strongly opposed the “scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the construction of border fencing,” emphasizing that “Nagas have been divided into people living across two countries, India and Myanmar, and across four states, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh & Assam within the union of India not by choice but by misshaped history.” The association asserted that “the desire of Nagas to live under one umbrella is legitimate.”
Condemning the GoI’s decision to impose border fencing “against the will of the people,” Ex-PAN stressed that “the Nagas of Nagaland have shared agricultural land as well as socio-cultural activities between brothers and families across the international border in question.” It urged the GoI “to immediately reinstate the FMR to its earlier status and stop the construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border in the State of Nagaland.”
Regarding the long-awaited Foothill Road project connecting Tizit to Khelma, Ex-PAN reiterated its support, stating that “the urgency and importance to have in place a road that connects the foothills of Nagaland from Tizit to Khelma has been a much-cherished dream of all the people of Nagaland so as to enable free movement without having to cross Assam.”
It expressed encouragement that “the Government is taking all efforts to ensure that this road is constructed for the benefit of all citizens of the State, especially those living along the foothills.”
Acknowledging the state government’s efforts, Ex-PAN placed on record its “appreciation to the Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister for having sanctioned a sizeable amount to construct this vital road” and for “the assurance in the recently concluded Assembly Session that more funds will be provided once the present sanctioned amount is utilized.”
Further, it urged “the concerned department, contractors, and all stakeholders to continue to work tirelessly in order to ensure the timely completion of this important project that will be beneficial to the people of Nagaland.”
Ex-PAN highlights key concerns
During the first session, the meeting was chaired by former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Ex-PAN Executive Member, Neiba Ndang. The session began with an invocation by Rev Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, proprietor of Academy for Theology & Mission, Tilixhu. Members observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those lost since the last GBM in April 2023.
Ex-PAN to maintain neutrality and prioritize public welfare
Ex-PAN President and former Minister & Deputy Speaker of the NLA, Joshua Sümi, delivered the Presidential Address, welcoming attendees and expressing appreciation for KG Kenye’s dedication as the longest-serving General Secretary. He assured members that the association would continue working for their welfare and urged them to support Ex-PAN activities.
Former Minister and Advisor, I Imkong, commended the current leadership, stating, “This is one of the most active teams till date.” He urged all members to “continue being the champions of social uplift and harmony” and emphasized that Ex-PAN must maintain neutrality, cautioning against political affiliations.
Z Lohe, a former Minister, acknowledged the presence of senior members in their 80s and reiterated Ex-PAN’s role in prioritizing the welfare of the people. “We must appreciate the government, when necessary, but we must also correct it if decisions go against the people,” he said. Lohe further stressed the need for the organization to be self-reliant, warning that dependence on external influences could compromise its integrity. “Ex-PAN must become a part of the cure for the many illnesses plaguing the Nagas,” he added.
Special guest calls for Ex-PAN to guide society
KG Kenye, as a founding member of Ex-PAN, reflected on the association’s formative years and the vision of its pioneers. He called on the body to rise to the occasion, stating, “Nagaland needs a dignified and strong organization that commands the respect of the people.” He urged Ex-PAN to “steer the people in the right direction” as society faces challenges.
Expressing concern over the erosion of traditional values, Kenye stated, “Our age-old traditions of respecting elders, hard work, loyalty, and honesty are being replaced by greed and lack of work culture.” He challenged Ex-PAN to act as a guiding force, adding, “We must start playing the role of an elder, speak out, and act boldly where others hesitate.”
Kenye also lamented how tribal festivals, once sacred times of prayer and thanksgiving, have been reduced to occasions for “merry-making and frolic.” He called upon Ex-PAN to lead in restoring their significance.
Submission of memorandum and resolutions
The General Secretary’s report, presented by Ex-PAN Secretary Merentoshi R Jamir, detailed the association’s meetings, discussions, and activities since the last GBM. The report acknowledged the continued support from the Chief Minister, Speaker, and the NLA. The house also approved changes in the Executive Council.
A memorandum highlighting the needs and challenges faced by Ex-PAN members was submitted to the Chief Minister through Minister Kenye.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by former MLA and Ex-PAN Vice President C John Konyak, followed by lunch.
With the adoption of the resolutions, Ex-PAN Chairperson Neiba Ndang delivered the concluding remarks, summarizing both the first and second sessions of the GBM. The meeting concluded with a mass prayer led by former Minister and Ex-PAN Advisor Nilo Rengma, who pronounced the benediction.