Mokokchung, 21 July (MTNews): Ato Kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN and the convener of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), N Kitovi Zhimomi today in “A Note to Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on 15th Year Journey” urged the FNR and all Naga intellectuals to examine the delays in Naga political solution and look if it is really the GoI or “others toying with the people’s sentiment.”
Expressing appreciation for FNR’s efforts in helming the Naga reconciliation process, Zhimomi noted the “added wrinkles and grey hairs” among those involved, and acknowledged the loss of signatory leaders during the journey but remained steadfast in his belief that “Nagas can survive as a people with distinct political and historical identity.”
While calling the achievements made in the last decade ‘remarkable’, Zhimomi emphasized the need for introspection regarding the repeated failures in finding a resolution for the Naga people. He recognized FNR’s role in creating a platform for dialogue within the Naga community and capturing the attention of GoI and Nagas across artificial boundaries. Nonetheless, he called on FNR to “remain fearless in the face of extreme pressure and call a spade a spade.”
Following this, Zhimomi recalled the signing of Framework Agreement between GoI and NSCN (IM) on 3rd August 2015 which, he said, took the Nagas by surprise. “Perhaps FNR too was kept in the dark,” he guessed.
He then recalled how Prime Minister Modi “specifically appreciated and welcomed the NSCN (IM) leadership and men into the national mainstream.”
“At that point of time, the immediate question which struck the stakeholders was, did FNR orchestrate the entire Naga reconciliation process to facilitate GoI and one Naga negotiating group to exclusively seal the deal, without consulting the genuine stakeholders back home? Were CoR, Journey of Common Hope, Lenten Agreement etc., a politics of convincing the GoI into believing Nagas have reconciled in letter and spirit? Was the GoI misled and the Naga people fooled?” Zhimomi asked.
“Undeniably, the sudden and exclusive nature of the FA ceremony on 03rd August 2015, poured cold water on all ground-breaking FNR initiatives,” Zhimomi stated and asked whether “all the top leaderships’ prayer programs, signed declarations for forgiveness and proposals for shared future were simply to spin an inclusive narrative but inwardly preparing ground to sign exclusive FA in 2015.”
“We live in a cruel world and that is a reality. The non-transparent protocol of FA enforced till today is what the Naga people cannot fathom,” Zhimomi reiterated.
Zhimomi then said that the ‘non- disclosure of FA raised multiple questions but nobody answered’ and hurt the Naga sentiments.
“A political document cannot be kept away from the Naga people,” he asserted and asked whether Rev Dr Wati Aier, as FNR Convener, possesses a comprehensive post-solution political and administrative blueprint of the Framework Agreement. If he has, Zhimomi asked that Aier may declare it to the Naga people for deliberation and general acceptance. “Political documents, in the Naga context, must first pass the scrutiny of the people,” he maintained.
Zhimomi also mentioned the ‘Agreed Position’ signed between WC, NNPGs, and GoI on 17 November 2017, which recognized Naga rights, land, and identity as the foundation for negotiations.
“WC, NNPGs consulted all apex Naga tribal bodies and civil societies prior to sitting with the GoI interlocutor,” he said, adding that negotiations started basing on the mutually agreed position that “Indo-Naga conflict solution would be pursued with due regards to contemporary political realities.”
“By 31st October 2019, WC, NNPGs also successfully concluded political negotiations. We worked hard to reclaim and preserve our history and Political identity in a practical manner. All said and done, the status paper is in the hands of the Naga people. There is clarity on all crucial matters,” Zhimomi maintained.
Highlighting the ‘September Joint Accordant’ of 14 September 2022 wherein the signatories agreed to form, ‘Council of Naga Relationship and Cooperation’, he recalled how the FNR organized another meeting on 14 January 2023, which led to the release of a statement captioned ‘NAGAS ARE MOVING AHEAD’.
“I, Mr. N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener WC, NNPGs and Mr. Q. Tuccu, Chairman NSCN (IM), consulted our respective senior leaders,” he said and quoted, “…we declare unconditional commitment to collaborate on the basis of our respective agreements, with immediate effect, for the resolution of the historical and political rights of the Nagas.” However, he recalled how a few days later, on 18 February, NSCN (IM) MIP declared FA was the only basis for any understanding and did not acknowledge any other agreements. “The very statement on 18 February 2023 by NSCN (IM) MIP condemned its own Chairman’s signature of 14 January 2023,” he remarked.
Zhimomi expressed dismay at the inconsistency in the Naga Reconciliation Process stating, “Naga Reconciliation Process as understood by leaders like Chairman Q Tuccu, Vice Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao and others seems unacceptable to some” and questioned the intentions of some Naga leaders and urged FNR and Naga intellectuals to critically examine the political solution delays.
“Changing goalposts to create a stalemate is a negative commitment to not resolve the Indo-Naga political issue,” he said, asking, “Is there an indication that for some Naga leaders, no solution is better than a solution for them?”
He implored FNR to continue guiding the Naga people toward their destination despite the challenges encountered and said the WC, NNPGs will always answer to the call of the Naga people.
In conclusion, he congratulated FNR for attaining fifteen years and hoped that it remains “responsible, authoritative spiritual and moral compass for all Nagas to rally behind.”