At Tsüngremmung, Imchen recalls NNC struggles; hits out at Shillong Accord, 28 factions
Advisor Imkong L Imchen on Saturday addressed the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Mokokchung district to remain united, saying, “When we cannot do anything after being united, what can we do alone? Why must we not be united?” He was speaking at the Tsüngremmung Festival celebration of the PDA held at Rempo, Dikhu Road, Ungma, on August 2.
He was speaking at the Tsüngremmung Festival celebration of the PDA held at Rempo Dikhu Road, Ungma, on August 2.
Imchen said the purpose of organizing the Tsüngremmung celebration was to help political workers understand political realities. He remarked that the words “Naga politics” and “Naga nationalism” have long disappeared, and said, “We should no longer live in a world of fantastic fantasy.”
Recalling historical references, he cited the banning of National High School during the height of the Naga nationalist movement, and how leaders like Imkongmeren, who served as Vice President of the NNC, suffered under the Government of India.
“All his movable and immovable property were seized by the GoI, his children were prohibited from attaining education; his jeep and firearm were also seized,” he said.
Imchen also reflected on the Shillong Accord, recalling how he was one of those who strongly opposed it.
“After the signing of the Shillong Accord, Keviyalle (Phizo’s brother) said the Shillong Accord was just a political process. This made me angry,” Imchen said.
He questioned, “If it was only a process, what was the meaning of the secret protocol with LP Singh?” and alleged that Keviyalle went to London twice to meet Phizo with the secret protocols.
“The Shillong Accord document is devoid of the word ‘political’ and there is no mention of ‘Naga government’,” he added.
He further said that Muivah and Isak had written letters twice to Phizo after the signing of the Shillong Accord, but there was no response. “Silence is conceit in politics,” he remarked.
Imchen acknowledged that Isak and Muivah had their reasons and were forced to form the NSCN.
“NSCN, while it started, had true intentions and had great cadre. However, with time, even NSCN has lost its credibility and trust,” he said.
He also spoke about his 2018 meeting with NSCN(IM) leader Th. Muivah in Delhi, where Muivah told him he was too much against the Pan-Naga Hoho. Imchen said he replied, “Yes, I was.”
Turning to the present scenario, Imchen said, “There are 28 factions. Out of 28 factions, where will BJP and NDPP join? The NDPP-BJP should not attend any Naga division. These are our challenges.”
He emphasized, “This alliance is not a joke – this is a reality. Rio keeps managing the contradiction crisis.”
Urging political leaders to take coalition governance seriously, he said they must learn “the art of coalition politics and the art of governance responsibility.”
He further called on party workers to be “serious” about the coalition, underlining the need for collective political maturity and commitment.
