Initiating the discussion of public importance on the Naga political issue during the second day of the fifth session of the 14th NLA on 29th August 2024, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu emphasized the need to include Naga political history in the education system to ensure that younger generations are aware of it. He referred to the signing of the Framework Agreement on 3rd August 2015, the signing of the Agreed Position on 17th November 2017, and the declaration that talks were concluded on 31st October 2019.
Nienu suggested that, to make the talks successful, the Legislature should not only act as facilitators but also participate in negotiations to bring the long-awaited resolution to a logical conclusion.
MLA Nuklutoshi, participating in the discussion, stated that the Naga Political Issue is the most significant and pressing concern for all Nagas today. He argued that the desire for self-determination should not be ignored and called for transparency from all sides during the formulation of any framework agreement between the NNPGs and the Government of India. Nuklutoshi urged legislators to act as facilitators and create a platform for productive discussions among stakeholders to find a reasonable solution.
MLA Dr. Sukhato A. Sema also contributed to the discussion on the Naga Political Issue.
Minister for Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye, urged the state government to pressure the Central Government and the negotiation parties to adhere to the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position. Aye stressed the importance of taking the issue seriously and urged the state government to write to the negotiators to resolve the long-standing Naga political issues.
MLA Jwenga Seb, participating in the discussion, emphasized that unification is the initial and most crucial step. He remarked that unity is essential for meaningful progress and advocated for the consolidation of major civil society organizations such as the Tenyimi Union of Nagaland (TUN), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) into a single Naga Apex Body. Seb believed that this unified body would serve as the primary platform for discussing the Framework Agreement (FA) and Agreed Position (AP). He expressed optimism that unity, dialogue, and careful deliberation could lead to a solution that honors the aspirations and rights of the Naga people.
Minister for Housing & Mechanical Engineering, P. Bashamongba Chang, appealed to legislators to take their moral responsibilities seriously and urged them to work together to resolve differences for the benefit of their people. MLA Naiba Konyak highlighted the long-standing Naga political issues and appealed for unity among the people for an early resolution.
Advisor for NSDMA and New & Renewable Energy, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, emphasized the importance of discussions and deliberations with tribal leaders before advancing the issue to the next level.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon stated that the role of elected members is limited as they took an oath under the Constitution of India. Regarding the Naga Political Issue, Kikon emphasized that elected members are “facilitators” rather than “negotiators” and reiterated the importance of adhering to previous resolutions adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Advisor for IPR and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L. Imchen, highlighted the early struggles and history of the Naga Political Issue, starting from the Naga plebiscite. He regretted that the issue has deviated from its original intent over time. Imchen noted that, despite being a subject of debate, the issue has yet to yield productive results. He stated that elected members of the NLA are mandated by the people to formulate laws in their interest and warned that if the Naga Political Issue is not resolved in a timely manner, societal problems currently faced could become legalized.
MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero observed that, from 1946 to 1980, the formation of NSCN led to the emergence of 26 factions, and at the current rate, there might be 40-50 factions by 2046. He stressed the need for remedial measures to prevent further fragmentation and suggested that the Government of India should address the Naga Political Issue with sincerity, resuming talks to find an acceptable and amicable solution. Mero called for serious consultative meetings with various Naga National Organizations, CSOs, and religious leaders to gather their views and enhance public participation. He also urged the cessation of extortions, taxations, and public threats.
CM’s concluding remarks on Naga Political Issue
Chief Minister and Leader of the House, Neiphiu Rio, in his concluding remarks on the Naga Political Issue, thanked all the participants for speaking with good intentions and clarity, citing historical facts and figures without reservation, thereby enlightening the House.
A total of six resolutions on the Naga Political Issue have been unanimously adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, while five additional resolutions have been made outside the NLA after discussions and deliberations with churches, tribal HoHos, and CSOs.
Rio stated that the elected members of the NLA have every right to voice the concerns of the people as they have the mandate of the electorate. He also urged Naga groups to come together at the negotiating table to discuss the issue in order to reach a decision that is inclusive, honorable, and acceptable.
The Leader of the House said that the elected members of the NLA would first consult with the National Groups before meeting with CSOs, churches, and tribal HoHos. He also urged Naga groups to heed the voice of the people if they are mandated by them.
Due to taxation in the name of the ongoing Naga Political Issue, businesses run by non-locals, government servants, and farmers have been facing difficulties. In the current scenario, no investors from outside the State will come to invest, he added.
(With DIPR inputs)